Melvin "Bud" John Peterson, Sr.

August 25, 1941 - August 23, 2020

Melvin John Peterson, Sr., affectionately known to many as "Bud," 78, of Bay City, our honorable, trustworthy, and devoted husband and grandfather went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Aleda E. Lutz V.A. Medical Center in Saginaw. Bud was born in Essexville on August 25, 1941, the son of the late Melvin George Peterson and the former Elodia Roupe. He was a 1958 graduate of Bay City Central High School and went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy, where he was a Second Class Radar Operator, serving honorably for six years in Vietnam, California, and Japan. On January 12, 1974, Bud was united in marriage to the former Nita Jablonski. He worked as a truck driver for Central Transport and enjoyed reading National Geographic, time spent with friends, faithfully following Fox 66, along with all the other news channels. Bud was a member of American Legion Post 18, AMVETS Post 22, P.L.A.V., and the National Rifle Association. Bud was a wonderful provider who loved his family, and will forever be missed for years to come. He leaves to carry on his legacy, his faithful wife of 46 years, Nita Peterson; children, Yvonne (Howard "Butch") Williams, Catherine (Bill) Laird, Raymond Scott Beck, Sr., Melvin J. Peterson, Jr. (fiancee Ruth), and Stephen Peterson, Sr.; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; brother-in-law, Edwin W. (Carol) Jablonski, along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends. In addition to his parents, Bud was welcomed home to heaven by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Peterson; son, Christopher Peterson, and his siblings, Rodger, Bobby, Kenny, Jean, and Donald. Melvin's family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. A procession will follow to Floral Gardens Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded. Memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.