Kent Louis Peterson, aged 70, died of cancer on Monday, September 4, 2023, in Lake Charles, La., with his sons by his side. He was born on September 30, 1952, in Jennings, La.

Kent was a lifelong resident of Welsh and an active member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, a supporter of the Welsh Greyhound Backers, served as a member of the Jeff Davis School Board, and coached T-ball and Pee Wee football. In his professional life, he started as an insurance agent and later became a plant operator at Conoco Phillips. Kent had a deep passion for fishing and golf, but his greatest joy came from spending quality time with his family. His unwavering faith, kindness, and devotion made him the embodiment of a good man. Kent had an eclectic taste in music, with a particular passion for Pink Floyd, and he proudly claimed to be the first person in Welsh to own Led Zeppelin on 8-track. While he loved being home and on his porch, he also enjoyed being on the road. In recent years, he visited Nova Scotia for ancestry research and attended practice rounds at the Masters. Kent, or “Petey” as most people knew him, is most remembered for his quirky humor, quick wit, and calm, reassuring presence.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Doucet Peterson, and his parents, George and Yola Peterson.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Kris Peterson and his wife, Amy, and Nicholas Peterson and his wife, Holly; his grandchildren, Duke and Clara Peterson; his brother, Clark Peterson and his wife, Nancy; his sister, Rebecca Peterson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, along with a multitude of friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers of Home Instead and Heart of Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

A mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, with Father Susil Fernando officiating. Burial will follow in Bon Pasteur Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. There will be a gathering for family and friends after the burial.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonwelsh.com for the Peterson family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to MD Anderson Cancer Center.