Walter H. Pederson

Belton--- Funeral services for Walter H. (Pete) Pederson, 81, of Temple, will be held at 11:00 AM Monday January 11, 2010 at Foundation United Methodist Church with Rev. Ryan Kiplinger officiating. Burial will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. The family will receive friends for visitation Sunday evening from 5-7 PM at the Dossman Funeral Home. Mr. Pederson died Sunday January 3, 2010 at his home. Mr. Pederson was born in Peking, China, the son of John H. Pederson and Margerethe Khler Pederson. Mr. Pederson was a 30 year veteran of the United States Army enlisting in 1948. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served two combat tours as an Infantry soldier during the Korean War. He reached the rank of Command Sergeant Major before retiring in 1978. Mr. Pederson received many awards and medals while serving his country including the Air Medal, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Also he was awarded the Silver Rose Medal in November 2009. . Mr. Pederson also work for General Motors Acceptance Corp in 1978 and retired again in 1993. In December of 1993 he went to work part time in field repossession He worked for various branches of GMAC. In all he worked more than 50 years which he was very proud of. Mr. Pederson married Elnovia (Ellie) Holmes, January 26, 1959 in Belton Texas. She preceded him in death November 17, 2000. He married Susie (Kutchback) Elmer February 14, 2009 at Foundation United Methodist Church. Mr. Pederson was a member of Foundation United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife Susie Elmer Pederson of Temple, one son Michael Pederson and three daughters Lorraine Norberg, Diana Hunt and Theresa Smith all of California; two sisters Mary Farrow of Mt. McCoy, Florida and Emily Bryant of Belton. 14 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Foundation United Methodist Church. Cynthia Gibson 9681