Col. Leo Scott Peterson USA Ret.'s Obituary
Leo Scott Peterson, 74, of Purcellville,VA died on Friday May 3, 2024 at the Loudoun County Hospital of natural causes. Scott was born October 18,1949 in Eagle Grove, Iowa to Leo and Dorothy Peterson.
Scott was a successful athlete while attending Eagle Grove High School. He was the quarterback and captain of the High School Football team and ran track but was most successful as a wrestler. He starting wrestling at the age of five. He attended the University of Iowa on a wrestling scholarship.
After graduating from the University of Iowa, Scott was drafted into the United States Army. He was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant and after he fulfilled his enlisted commitment he left the Army for a short period of time. While working on his Masters at the University of Iowa he realized he missed the military and returned to active duty through Officer Candidate School (OCS) graduating in March of 1977. Scott served several assignments both stateside and overseas. He attended multiple military schools and training courses. Scott received numerous decorations, medals and campaign ribbons during his tenure as both an Enlisted Solider and Officer over a 30 year career.
Scott was humble about his military career, he was inducted into the OCS hall of fame for achieving the rank of Colonel from his beginning as an Enlisted Soldier in 30 years. His four favorite military assignments were; being an Executive Office (XO) in Schweinfurt Germany (he loved the motor pool), teaching leadership at the Military Academy at West Point (he enjoyed mentoring cadets on the wrestling team), Battalion Command at Fort Riley (he was honored to lead hundreds of soldiers} and his last assignment in the Army, Combat Arms Division Chief, (his team called him the CAD DAD). Scott would say it was time to retire as he was living the plot of a Hallmark movie starting as an Enlisted Solder and now as a Colonel, assigning all the Combat Arms Enlisted Soldiers around the world.
Scott was a dedicated solider throughout his life. He was a born leader, and repeatedly demonstrated a unique leadership style, solid decision-making skills and a true commitment to motivating and mentoring people.
Following his Army career Scott became a Program Manager with IntellDyne on a Department of Defense mult-million dollar contract with TRICARE, leading teams across the country for nearly 10 years. This next phase of Scott’s career allowed him to continue his support to soldiers and their family members.
Scott was a loving husband and married Leslie Martin on December 24, 1986. Scott loved to tell everyone he loved her at first sight, but she was slow to warm up to him. Scott is survived by his wife. Leslie, his siblings Randy Peterson (Mary), Kathryn Fertig (Mike) and Joe Peterson; four nephews Chris Peterson, Michael Scott Fertig, Scott J Peterson, and Mathew Peterson, one niece; Tatia Grandstaff; eleven great nephews and nieces, Jessie, Ben, Jake, Addyson, Porter, Emma, Nicholas Scott, Azile, Leo, Danny and Taylor. Scott was an indispensable supporter of his entire family and they often reached to him for optimism, guidance, and thought provoking questions to assist in thinking through issues.
Those that knew Scott well recognized he was very particular about the upkeep and appearance of his property, but most especially his vehicles. He was passionate about all his vehicles but especially his beloved Porsches.
Scott was a loyal friend from his days growing up in Eagle Grove, to his time at the University of Iowa, through-out his military career and with his neighbors in Northern Virginia. Once Scott decided you were his friend, you remained so forever. Scott’s contagious smile, boundless energy, and genuine compassion for people impacted everyone around him his entire life. Scott’s legacy is one of service, self- discipline, success, loyalty and love.
Scott’s funeral will be held at Memorial Chapel on Fort Myer followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday October, 15, 2024 at 11 AM. A reception will follow immediately after the funeral at Patton Hall, 214 Buffalo Solider Avenue, Fort Myer, VA. All are welcome to attend.
Procedures to access Fort Myer for non-military ID holders will be available closer to the event.
If you so desire to make a donation in remembrance of Scott, the family requests that you donate to Tunnels to Towers utilizing this link. https://dogood.t2t.org/IMOLeoScottPeterson
What’s your fondest memory of Leo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leo?
Share a story where Leo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leo you’ll never forget.
How did Leo make you smile?
