It is with great love, sadness and profound gratitude that we announce the passing of Donald Vernon Peterman on August 7, 2026 in Fleming Island, FL.

Born on May 24, 1937 in Elkton, MD to Delbert and Anna Peterman. He grew up in Charlestown, MD where he was an active member of the Methodist Church and Choir, and a Volunteer Firefighter for the Charlestown Fire Company. He accumulated a wealth of happy memories growing up there and loved sharing them with everyone.

He graduated from North East High School in 1955 and soon after, married Shelby Davis. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and was stationed at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM working as a Jet Aircraft Mechanic. After leaving the Air Force in 1964, he moved back to North East and worked for Ross Aviation at Aberdeen Proving Ground where he was involved in Army Flight Test Programs. In 1971 he joined the Delaware Army National Guard and eventually retired from there as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor in 1997. He earned many awards and accolades while serving his country for over 31 years.

Donald was a devoted father and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a kind and caring man with a great sense of humor- a natural jokester who would lighten the mood with his witty personality. His greatest joy was spending time with family and spoiling his many granddogs. The granddogs adored him. They were elated every time Pop-Pop walked through the door. His love for them had no limits. He enjoyed dining out and exploring new restaurants with family and friends - from which many happy memories were created. He took great pride in working with his hands and could build or repair just about anything. He would take on projects big and small and was always happy to help others who needed help.

As he traveled back and forth between Delaware and Florida, he embraced the “snowbird” life, eventually moving to Florida in 2018 to be with his kids and granddogs.

Donald is survived by his loving daughter Natalie Peterman; son Donald Peterman, Jr.; sister Bobbie Peterman Kohler (Russell); brothers Wayne Peterman and Gene Peterman (Debbie); former wife Shelby Davis.

He was preceded in death by his father Delbert Hamilton Peterman and mother Anna Elizabeth Clayton Peterman.

We are comforted knowing he is in the presence of God and those who preceded him. He will be dearly missed, and we look forward to the day we are together again.

Cremation will be provided by Broadus Raines funeral home in Green Cove Springs, FL interment will be scheduled for a later date.