In 1962, Julius “Doodley” Perry Peterson started a small construction company in northern Louisiana hometown of Homer. Prior to that, he had owned and operated Peterson Service Station for a decade or so. “It was just something I wanted to do,” he said of his decision to get into contracting. “All I had was an old Ford tractor and a five-yard dump truck, but I was able to find odd jobs here and there. They kept me busy and that’s how I got started.” Odd jobs indeed. One of the projects he took on back in the early years was the relocation of a cemetery of 135 graves dated back to early 1900’s that were going to be flooded in the creation of Toledo Bend Reservoir, a huge lake that forms much of the border between Louisiana and Texas. 

In these first years he was fondly named “Doodley the Dirt Doodler,” by his loving wife.  In 1968, the business had grown a bit. He bought equipment and incorporated as Peterson Contractors, which led to his primary business—oil field construction.

After incorporating, with more equipment and more men, he was able to start constructing roads and drill sites, with the oil and gas industry as the main emphasis. Doodley also owns dirt and sand pits from which materials are delivered to customers. “I never cared much about becoming a huge company. My only goal was to make a living. I wanted to be able to support myself and my family by doing something I enjoy, and I’ve done that.”

Julius “Doodley” Perry Peterson, born December 5, 1931 to John Perry Peterson and Vera Doyle Pixley Peterson in Homer, Louisiana passed into Heaven on May 18, 2024 at his home on Lake Claiborne, Homer, Louisiana surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Doodley’s life will begin with visitation at 2:00 pm and service at 3:00 pm on May 22, 2024 at First Baptist Church, Homer and burial at Arlington Cemetery of Homer. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 66 years, Anita Grace King Peterson; and his grandson, Landon Alexander Hays. He is survived by his two daughters, Judy Peterson Buckner (Buzzy) of Athens, and Belinda Peterson Hays of Shreveport; one sister, Norma Eudora Peterson Daniel of Rusk, Texas; three grandchildren, Zack Buckner (Ashley) of Athens, Katie Buckner Coburn (Todd) of Athens and Adrienne Michele Hays of Baton Rouge; six great-grandchildren, Dylan Buckner, Ryder Buckner, Raven Kirk, Triston Coburn, Grady Coburn, and Linny Grace Coburn. 

Outside his occupation and ownership of Peterson Contractors, Inc., he enjoyed the lake life and water skiing. In fact, so much that he built the first ski boat he owned for his family naming it “Kingfish.”  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and scuba diving. Doodley was a part of the first rescue scuba diving squad of Claiborne Parish and a Volunteer Fire Fighter. 

He built the P&W Ranchouse in the 70’s that provided and sponsored live music and entertainment every Saturday night for Homer and the surrounding areas to enjoy. Doodley was a huge contributor with his time and resources in helping to build and support Claiborne Academy. He was a generous supporter to so many people and projects in his community, including First Baptist Church of Homer. Doodley was a quiet but very stern man of great innate intelligence and character. Small in stature but a tower of strength and power. He could be best described as the most disciplined, self-motivated, determined, hardworking man…a very resourceful, no-nonsense kind of man, but with a great sense of humor.

The family would like to express a special thanks to his primary caregiver, Angela Tims, for her sincere and constant care to both our mother and father. Also appreciated are Jean Ford, Tracie Webb, Renee Loe, Sheree Glass, Blonzetta Hay, and Betty Glass. 

We would also like to thank Dr. Mark Haynes, Dr. Scott Haynes, and Dr. David Tyler for their very special care and attention. 

Pallbearers are Zack Buckner, Todd Coburn, Steve Daniel, Steven Paul, Dr. David Tyler, and Eddie Bolling. Honorary pallbearer will be, Kenneth Volentine.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First Baptist Church of Homer or Claiborne Academy. 

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel  (318) 927-6110