Byron was born in Bicknell, Utah to George Rio Baker Peterson and Cassie Leila Pratt Peterson on August 6, 1931. Though raised in meager circumstances in his hometown of Teasdale, Utah, he often spoke with fondness of his family and childhood. He learned the values of faith, hard work, and service from his parents’ examples. These were values he carried with him his entire life.
After graduating from Wayne County High School in 1949, Byron proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. While serving in the military he met and he fell in love with Marilyn Parent. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in June 1951. While stationed in Wichita, Kansas they welcomed their daughter, Brenda, to their family.
Upon being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he returned to Utah to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University. Byron dedicated the next thirty-five years to working in the aerospace industry. He felt his career with Lockheed Martin was an extension of service to his country in that he took a small part in protecting it from nuclear threats. He received numerous awards and commendations for his efforts in his profession. He also enjoyed many wonderful associations with his colleagues while at Lockheed Martin and after his retirement in March of 1997.
Byron was devoted to his family as well. He and Marilyn welcomed three more children to their family: Rita Ann (passed away at birth), Brent Pratt, and Gay Patrice. His family were beneficiaries of his multiple talents. Byron loved working in the garden and planted several fruit trees. He loved photography from his time in the military and attendance at BYU. During Marilyn’s sixteen-year struggle with muscular dystrophy he also took care of the household duties. Even though he received help from the ward throughout this time, he was the primary caregiver until she passed away in February 1981.
He met Darlene and married her in the Salt Lake Temple in July 1982. For twenty years they devoted themselves to serving as ordinance workers in the Jordan River Temple. They developed several cherished relationships with fellow coworkers and had many memorable experiences. Byron and Darlene also attended symphonies together where he would “assist” the conductor by using his own “baton.” As Byron grew older he gained a deep appreciation for God’s creatures and sought to help them in any way he could. It should be noted that Darlene sacrificed much to care for Byron in his later years.
As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Byron served in various callings, but the one that brought him the most joy was being a primary teacher. He had a great love for little children. Many birthday and Christmas gifts given to his grandchildren centered around his love for the gospel. He enjoyed reading and often bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the power of the priesthood.
We love him a great deal and will sorely miss him.
Byron is survived by his wife, Darlene. Two children: Brent (Amy) Peterson, Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Gay Patrice (Jerry) Springer, Eagle Mountain, Utah. Three “of the cutest” grandchildren: Kiera (Jerry) Fox, Eagle Mountain, Utah; Whitney Springer, Hilo, Hawai’i; and Jayden Springer, Eagle Mountain, Utah. Two beautiful great-grandchildren: Kalli Fox and William Fox.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife (Marilyn Parent), two daughters (Brenda and Rita), and his brother (Ray).
As per Byron’s request, private graveside services will be held.
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