Gilbert "Gil" Hicks Peterson

Gilbert “Gil” Hicks Peterson, 88, of O Fallon, MO, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022. 

Gil was born on July 11, 1934 to Lee and Ethel Peterson, in Greentop, Missouri.  

After graduating from Ferguson High School, Gil joined the Air Force National Guard. He enlisted on December 22, 1955, as a staff sergeant at the 131st Tactical Hospital at Lambert Field. He served for six years. Gil then began his career as a member of the Cement Masons Local 527; later joining the Operating Engineers Local 513, as a lifetime member. 

In 1959, he met Lillian “Dee” Wood. They wed on May 30, 1959, going on to have three beautiful children.  

After retiring in 1996, Gil and Dee spent time traveling in their R.V. and enjoying time with their family. Anyone who knew Gil, knew his family was most important to him. He was a kind, loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Dee are the foundation of his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Gil was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Ethel Peterson; sister, Maryle Hampton (Robert), brothers, Charlie, John and Drew Peterson, and his son-in-law, Patrick J. Reape, Jr. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillian Delores Peterson; his three children, Debra (William) Reape, Glen (Laura) Peterson, and Denise (the late Patrick Reape, Jr.) Reape; his seven grandchildren, Daniel (Sabrina) Mason, Amy (Denny) Halleman, Jessica Reape (Rian Moore), Joe Reape, Tom Reape, Matthew Peterson and Michael Peterson; and his three great-grandchildren, Lillian, Adalyn and Cooper Halleman. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity/organization of your choice.