Bennie Carlon Peterson

Bennie Carlon Peterson, 69 and life-long resident of the Kiln, passed away at his home Wednesday evening. Bennie was the fourth of six children of Athen & Mildred (Cuevas) Peterson. He was born April 2, 1952 at the family home in the Dedeaux community, spending his entire life there as well. He enjoyed the outdoors and playing baseball and basketball growing up. Bennie didn't stop growing it seemed, passing 6' rather quickly, which only helped him at basketball. He played for the Hawks in high school, graduating from Hancock North Central with the Class of 1971. He worked many years for Carlisle Industries, in Long Beach and Pass Christian before he had to take an early retirement for medical reasons. Bennie was a happy, kind-hearted man that loved to tease and joke around. Though diabetes caused him many problems in life, including losing his right leg, his spirit was never dampened. Bennie was a devout Christian and life-long member at Victory Baptist Church. After his retirement, he focused his energy on church and cows, rarely seen without a smile on his face. He spent 64 years as a bachelor before being introduced to Ernestine while at Popeye's in Bay St. Louis. They struck up a relationship that led to marriage just a few months later, making Bennie a "Poppa" and happier than ever. The only thing that could have made him any happier, was finally meeting his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bennie will no doubt be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded by his parents, Athen & Mildred Peterson, and two brothers, Buck and Travis Peterson. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of just 5 years, Ernestine; two bonus sons, Jerriet Cuevas of Pass Christian and Vearl Wayne (Stacey) Cuevas of Necaise; brothers Danny and Merlin Peterson, both of the Dedeaux community, with his sister Bonnie (Donald) Moran of Lizana. He leaves a legacy of two granddaughters, Chelsea and Brooklynne and three great-grands, Keian, Kiesyn and Cambria Gillihan, along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors through the years. Services will be held Saturday, July 31st at Victory Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM. Afterward, Bennie will be laid to rest in the Standard Sandhill Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Peterson family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.