Mark D. Peterson, 80, of Cedarville, met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 6, 1946 in Waterloo, Iowa, Mark was the son of Melvin and Dorothy (Anderson) Peterson. From an early age he sensed God's call on his life, and he joyfully answered that call by serving as a pastor for 50 years. Ministering faithfully until his retirement in 2018 he resided in the loving community of Cedarville, Ohio and was a member of Grace Baptist Church in his later years. Mark's greatest passion was preaching the gospel and shepherding God's people. His most recent pastorate  was in Bloomington, IN. Mark began his ministry as a youth pastor in Beech Grove, IN; before faithfully serving the Lord as senior pastor in churches in Deanville, PA; Dimock, PA; Fairmont, WV; Flint, MI; and Cresaptown, MD. Mark's heart to serve others in ministry was demonstrated by his devotion beyond the churches he pastored -  in camp ministry, serving as chairman of the Eastern Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches, the board of the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches, as well as being instrumental in the development of the Freedom Baptist Fellowship in West Virginia. Mark's life was a beautiful reflection of his deep love for Jesus and others.

While dedicated to the work of the Lord, Mark also took great delight in his family, and was a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and faithful friend whose kindness, humor, and steadfast faith touched everyone he met. He made time to support his kids endeavors, and was always proud to encourage them on to greater things. Precious memories consist of holidays, playing board games, outdoor games, get-a-ways to state parks, visiting long distance family, and especially beach trips. His gracious, fun-loving personality and sense of humor lightened tough moments and brightened ordinary days.  A wonderful vocalist and trumpet player, he especially took great delight in passing his love of music to future generations. His legacy of faith, family, ministry, and music are seen in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Alice Marie (Shearer); daughters, Julie (Michael) Storey and Amy Allen; sons, David (Siony) Peterson and Mark (Karen) Peterson Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth (Josh), Rebekah, Benjamin, Avynne, Elisa, JohnMarc, Sarah (John Mark), Jonathan, Daniel, Karissa, and Micah, Ryan, Joshua, Katherine, and Josiah; his precious great-grandchildren, Amelia, Andrew, and Alaina; sister, Lois Ruth; brothers John and Paul Peterson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his dear Aunt Elaine Rooke; sister, Delores Ewers; brothers, Roger and Stephen Peterson.

The family sincerely thanks his many caregivers at Pathways Woodside Village and Affinity Care of Ohio Hospice for excellent care in his final stage of Alzheimer's. We appreciate the many ways that they went above and beyond.

Mark's legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith in Jesus will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. We rejoice that he is now safely home with his Savior, and confident that he heard, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

A celebration of Mark's life and homegoing will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 16th at Grace Baptist Church, 109 N. Main Street, Cedarville, where visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Cedarville North Cemetery.  McColaugh Funeral in Xenia is serving the family.

Memorial donations in Mark's memory can be made to Missions at Grace Baptist Church, 109 N Main St, Cedarville, OH 45314.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com