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John C. Peterson
Topeka First Church Member John C. Peterson passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. John C. Peterson was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1948, the only son of Cecil and Helen Peterson. John attended Randolph Grade School, Boswell Jr. High, and Topeka High School. He was President of the Student Council and active in debate and golf, winning state debate, placing third place in the National American Legion Oratory, elected Governor of Boys State, and attended Boys Nation. John received a degree in political science for Stanford University where he also was active in debate. Selected top orator at Stanford and received the Joffree Award for outstanding debater between Stanford and Cal/Berkley. In 1974, John received a JD from Washburn School of Law. Elected to the Kansas Legislature at age 22 and served two terms, chaired the House Public Health and Welfare Committee. Ran for Congress in 1974, won the primary and lost the general, after which he began the practice of law. He practiced for 25 years with Jan Hamilton and Bob Keeshan, but his personal practice grew primarily in the government relations area. In 2000, John established Capitol Strategies LLC, which exclusively worked for associations and companies before the Kansas Legislature. He retired from being CEO in 2021 but remained active with the company. He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, served as Chair of the Shawnee County Heart Association, Chair of the Topeka Country Club Board, and Co-President of the Diversified Investment Club. John married Debra Mahoney in 1980, they divorced in 1990. He married Michelle Liester in 1993, she survives as does his son, Vinnie Murphy (Melissa) and three grandchildren. He is also survived by a step-sister, Helen Lyon Peterson of Dallas, Texas. Preceding him were his father, Cecil “Pete” Peterson (2003), mother, Helen Lyon Peterson (1997), his step-mother, Marvel Bowlus Peterson (2008), and grandchildren, Sophia and Noah. John and Michelle enjoyed their summer home at the Council Grove Lake and traveling to all parts of the globe, visiting over 50 countries. He continued his interest in golf, attending Eight British Senior Opens, shooting his age on occasion, and generally completing 100+ rounds of golf a year. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614 Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com For more infomation visit: https://www.kevinbrennanfamily.com/obituaries/john-c-peterson/#!/Obituary
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