Roger Wayne Peterson, who spent 35 years as Overland Park's director of planning and development services, died Oct. 20 at his home in Shawnee.
He was 78.
Peterson helped guide the city through decades of growth, shaping the roads, infrastructure and development that defined southern Overland Park, according to his obituary on the Johnson County Post. The obituary, published by the Cremation Center of Kansas City, credits his leadership with connecting communities and opening new areas for growth across the city's southern corridor.
Peterson retired from the position in 2007. Specific projects he oversaw during his tenure were not detailed in the obituary.
Born Feb. 12, 1948, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Peterson grew up on a family farm. He later moved into town, where he attended high school and played baseball. He went on to attend St. Cloud State University, where he met his wife, Georgia, beginning what the obituary described as "a partnership that would span 58 wonderful years."
After retiring, Peterson coached his granddaughter Shea Sullivan's softball team. His family said he especially enjoyed sharing his love of the game and being part of her life through the role. He and Georgia also traveled together frequently.
The couple moved to Ocala, Florida, in 2016 before returning to the Kansas City area in 2023 to be closer to family.
Peterson is survived by Georgia; his son, Dain Peterson, of Brooklyn, New York; his daughter, Jana Peterson, and her husband, Cody Beltram, of Mission; and his granddaughter, Shea Sullivan, also of Mission.
A memorial service was scheduled Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Grand Pavilion at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 8801 Greenway Lane, in Lenexa.
