Walter John Herman Ernest Peters

Walter Peters passed away on Dec. 18, 2012, at age 95. He was born May 1, 1917, to Gus and Minnie Peters on a Washington County farm near Linn, KS, the 5th of ten children. His oldest brother, Martin was 10 years older, his youngest sister, Viola was 10 years younger.

In 1940 Walt moved to Summerfield, KS, to work at Meyer Lumber & Hardware. It was there he met Jeanette Glasgow, his future wife. In February, 1942, Walt joined the 24th Infantry Division of the US Army and served 3 years and 9 months in the South Pacific. He received 2 Bronze Stars among other commendations, and formed lifelong friendships with many of his comrades.

Walt and Jeannette married in October, 1945, and had 3 children: Jane, John, and Jennifer. In the fall of 1969 they moved to Johnson County, KS, where John died at age 14 of cancer. A heartbreak for all of us.

After retirement from Meyer Lumber in 1984, Walt and Jeannette returned to their beloved Summerfield. They both found joy in renewing old friendships and living on the family farm. Walt loved being outdoors and especially loved trees, including his "tree farm" northeast of Summerfield. He liked to tell the story of selling 3 trees and then turning down future requests to sell more. He'd say "…that land doesn't owe us anything."

Walt was a member and provided leadership to a wide variety of organizations both in the Summerfield/Marshall County, KS area and in the Shawnee Mission area over the years, including the Summerfield Board of Education, American Legion, Lions Club, Blue Valley Tele-Communications Board, 1st Lutheran/Summerfield, Our Savior Lutheran/KCKS, Hope Lutheran/Shawnee, KS.

Walt was preceded in death by wife Jeanette, son John, son-in-law Jim Wilson, and all of his brothers and sisters. Those who remember and love him here include daughters Jane Wilson and Jennifer Peters, grandsons John (Margy) Wilson, Jamie Wilson, Ryan Peters, and great grandchildren Quentin and Annie Wilson.

A Wonderful lifetime memory for John, Jamie, and Ryan is of the 2 week adventure to Germany with Grandpa Peters in December, 2000!

Walt was a man of character. He was fair, hones, and loyal to his family, in his pursuits and profession, and to his many lifelong friends.

Walt's family and friends wish to thank the staff of Country Place Assisted Living, Marysville, KS, the staff of ComfortCare Homes of KC-Fontana, and the staff of Grace Hospice for their love, their care, their compassion.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions made in Walt's name to Great Plains SPCA (Animal Haven), 5428 Antioch, Merriam, KS 66202 or to the Stained Glass Window Lighting Project of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4153 Rainbow, KC, KS.

Celebration of Life Services

A memorial service will be on Sat., Jan. 12, 2013 at 1 pm at Our Savior Lutheran. Pastor Tom VanDuzer will officiate as we celebrate a life very well lived!