WALNUT — Billie E. Peterson, 83, of Walnut died Thursday, March 7, 2013, at Walnut Manor Nursing Home in Walnut.

Bill was born on June 16, 1929, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Clair and Jessie (Rollo) Peterson. He was united in marriage to Sue J. Livey on May 3, 1953, in Walnut.

Bill spent his youth in Prophetstown. After moving to Walnut he would visit his grandparents in Prophetstown by hitching a ride on a train from Walnut to Prophetstown. He would throw his bike on the caboose and spend the day visiting relatives and return to Walnut on the train again. As a child, Bill spent much of his time going around the country watching his dad, Clair, race his No. 10 race car.