William "Bill" Bartley Peterson

November 4, 1948 - July 8, 2021

William “Bill” Bartley Peterson was, by all accounts, a Renaissance man. Born on November 4th, 1948, Bill was a star student-athlete, and he was also the star of his high school's musicals. As a boy, he raised horses, cows, pigs, and chickens and loved helping his dad on the farm, but always kept an eye to the future and found excitement in watching technology evolve. He was an enormously talented artist, illustrating, painting, carving and sculpting beautiful works worthy of any art gallery and captivating to all that got the privilege of witnessing his creativity. He was a poet and a storyteller, creating the most eloquent of writings. He was an engineer and a self-taught expert in construction. He could tear apart entire houses and remodel them into the most perfect, beautiful places to live. He built fish ponds and gardens and porches with his bare hands, creating peaceful spaces for all to enjoy. Bill was a perfectionist and believed in always putting in hard work and doing things right. To him, the little things mattered. Bill was also an Army combat veteran, voluntarily serving two tours in Vietnam. He was a hero to many of his soldiers, earning their long-standing respect that lasted far beyond their time in service. He returned to Carrollton after the war and put his love of both sports and writing to great use as a sports writer for The Free Press Standard newspaper, thus beginning a 45-year-long career in journalism. He rose through the ranks as Editor and then General Manager, during which time he modernized the weekly paper to adapt to changing times, while still maintaining the hometown look and feel that readers have enjoyed for years. Many knew Bill to be quiet and sometimes rough around the edges, but beneath that tough exterior, he had a heart of gold. He showed his kindness through actions, often dropping everything to help others in need. His support for others was strong, but he reserved his deepest love for his family. He loved working outside in the yard and taking Sunday drives with Barbie, his wife and dedicated caregiver of 44 years. The king of the road trip, he would jump in his truck and travel across Ohio and across the country to see his son and daughter play sports and, later on, to visit them and their families. Bill enjoyed debating world issues with his daughter and helping his son work on his house. He adored and cherished playing with his six grandchildren. He would dance with them on his porch and play tractors out in the dirt. There is nothing William Bartley Peterson couldn’t do, and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he loved. William truly led a life well lived, one of integrity, honor and love. He passed away at his home on July 8th, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. Loved ones that cleared the path for Bill are his father William Emerson Peterson and mother Genevieve Peterson. Loved ones that will dearly miss Bill until they meet again are his wife Barbara Peterson, his daughter and son-in-law, Jasmine and Rashidi Hodari, his son and son’s fiance, Targan Peterson and Tielle Miller, his six grandchildren, Brookx, Hudson, and Shealeigh Peterson and Clyve, Willa, and Bodhi Hodari, his five siblings, Judy (Lynn) Capper, Peggy (Craig) Deibel, Susie (Blink) McCorkle, Becky (Micah) Hartong, and Lanny (Kendra) Peterson, and forty nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He is also survived by his beloved dog and best friend, Ellie. According to Bill’s wishes, he will be cremated, and there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers and in fulfilling one of Bill's requests, the family asks that you make a donation to All Kids Play, a nonprofit his daughter and son-in-law co-founded to help financially disadvantaged families and communities access youth sports. Bill loved sports and was his kids’ biggest fan. He was the ultimate sports dad and supporter of local athletic teams. It was important to him that all kids have the opportunity to play. Dedicated donations can be made at https://allkidsplay.org/donate/ or sent to: All Kids Play, 707 Osterman Ave #378, Deerfield, IL 60015.