About Darrell Peterson (1965-2016)
Biography
Darrell Lance Peterson was born on February 9, 1965, in Crockett, Texas. For 10 years, Peterson worked as a correction officer for the Texas Department of Corrections. Peterson also served as a member of the Grapeland Volunteer Fire Department for many years. At the age of 25, he married, and he had 3 children: Kari Nicole, William David, and Cody Lance. In his free time, Peterson was an active member of Texas Xtreme Off Road Racing, often mentoring young riders, including his sons. Peterson began his service to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) as a maintenance worker at the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge in Eagle Lake, Texas. During his 15 years at the Refuge, he also served as a heavy equipment operator and instructor. He was always quick to share his knowledge with others, and he took an active role in the recovery of the Attwater’s prairie chicken.
Cause of Death
On April 29, 2016, Peterson died in an accident while working at Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge. On May 7, Peterson’s family held a funeral for him, and notable members of the Service attended to honor him. Service Director Daniel Ashe and Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System Cynthia Martinez presented his family with American flags, and the Service’s National Honor Guard served as pallbearers.
Sources
- “Darrell Lance Peterson.” Tribute Archive
- Gromatzky, Kari. “Darrell Peterson Memorial Fund.” Go Fund Me.
- “Remembering a Friend: Darrell Peterson.” The Boomer, Friends of Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge, vol. 5, no. 1., 2016, pp. 2
- Texas, U.S., Marriage Index, 1990. Texas Health and Human Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service History. “Fallen Comrades Dedication for Darrell Peterson, November 28, 2018.” Facebook, 28 Nov. 2018
Key Fields
Born 1965, Died 2016, Age 51, Male, Maintenance Worker, Heavy Equipment Operator, Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, Texas, Accident