Oscar L. Peterson, 59, of Cassopolis, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 at Lakeland Medical Center, Niles.

He was born Sept. 20, 1951 in Leland, Miss. to James and Catherine (Bailey) Peterson.

He was a chef and the family philosopher.

Oscar is survived by four daughters, Tina (George) Leechman, Willa Leechman, Felicia (Ed) Leechman, all of Milwaukee, Wis., and Natasha (Dewane) Leechman of Louisiana;  three sisters, Jeanette Watkins of Chicago, Williemae Sexton of Dowagiac and Michelle Carr of Dowagiac; four brothers, James Paul (Mary) Peterson of Jones, Robert L. Peterson of Dowagiac, Lucius Peterson of Dowagiac and Michael (Victoria) Peterson of Cassopolis; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Oscar Jr.; and two sisters, Lorraine Dorsey and Irene Dorsey.

Family and friends will gather Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at the Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl St., Cassopolis, from 2 p.m. until time of his Homegoing Celebration at 3 p.m. The Rev. Christopher J. Pittman will officiate.

Interment will follow in Prospect Hills Cemetery, Cassopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be sent c/o connellychapel@frontier.com.