Jesse Jay Peterson

Jesse Jay Peterson was born December 25, 1976, in Madison, SD, to Melvin "Pete" Peterson and Mary Peterson. He spent most of his early childhood in South Dakota, Texas, and Oklahoma before settling in Antlers, OK, in 1986. Jesse loved playing the annoying little brother to his sister, Misty. He graduated from Antlers High School in 1995, then went on to Eastern Oklahoma State College, where he earned his associate's degree in Criminal Justice. He later attended East Central University for a brief time before moving on to Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Jesse worked in IT for many years, most recently serving as CIO of Ameristate Bank. Jesse married Toshia on September 5, 2005. Together they had three wonderful children — Kaleb, Jay, and Cami — and one beautiful granddaughter, Alara, who were his pride and joy. To know Jesse was to love him. He was hardworking, intelligent, punctual, and, most of all, loving. Jesse loved to tell stories, and hunting, fishing, and camping were among his favorite pastimes — especially when shared with family and friends. Jesse passed from this life on July 30, 2026. He impacted so many with his infectious joy, his wonderful sense of humor, and his brilliant mind. Jesse is survived by his wife, Toshia, and daughter, Cami Peterson, both of Durant, OK; his son, Kaleb Shields (Sierra), and granddaughter, Alara Shields, of Fort Lewis, WA; his son, Jay Peterson, of Langley AFB, VA; his parents, Melvin "Pete" and Mary Peterson, of Antlers, OK; his sister, Misty, and her husband, James "Jim" Nichols, of Durant, OK; his father-in-law, Andy Heath, of Antlers, OK; his brothers-in-law, Clayton Heath, of Durant, OK, and Cody Heath, of Antlers, OK; and his nephew and nieces, Justin Nichols (Sydney), of Wichita, KS, Katie Nichols, of Edmond, OK, Johnnie Mae Heath, of Durant, OK, and Lilly Heath, of Antlers, OK. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ernest and Anna Peterson, and his maternal grandparents, LeRoy and Jessie Reed. His best friend and "brother" Jeffrey Williams. Family night will be held Tuesday, August 4th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with funeral services the following day on Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00 AM, both at Browns Funeral Home. Jesse's favorite color was red, and his family would love for everyone to wear something nice in red in his honor. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Nichols, Justin Nichols, Jay Peterson, Kaleb Shields, BJ Nabors, Cody Heath, and Clayton Heath. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown's Funeral Service in Durant, OK. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/X3L64X56MSP26QDS

Jesse Jay Peterson

December 25, 1976 - July 30, 2026