Paul Holt Petersen

Paul Holt Petersen, age 97, died Monday, December 17, in Loveland, Colorado. He was born October 22, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Paul and Dorothy (Holt) Petersen. He married Jean Vaden in Decatur, Alabama, in 1944. They spent most of their 63 years together in Virginia.

Paul developed a love for aviation with his service as a B-24 pilot in World War II, and later enjoyed a storied career with the Federal Aviation Administration working as an air traffic controller and safety specialist.

He was an avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, remaining active until his late 80s, and serving as an inspiration to his family and friends.

Paul was a life-long learner, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while his daughters were in school and while he was working full-time. He was a voracious reader and his love of reading and literature was inherited by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife; sister Helen Leavens; daughter Frances Eddy; and granddaughters Ali Laputka and Samantha Eddy. He is survived by daughters Susan Drage (Robert) and Barbara Petersen (Bob Shacochis); grandchildren Jennifer Bowser (Merle), Tyler Drage (Jamie), and Erin Pittman (Steuart); great-grandchildren Ben and Ellie Bowser, Sam and Andy Pittman, and Kyler and Mackenzie Eubank.

Family will receive friends Thursday, December 20, 2018, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Allnutt Funeral Service, Loveland, with burial Friday in Crown Hill Cemetery in Denver.