Donald C. Peters, born August 11, 1956, joined our Father in Heaven on December 10, 2023.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lonnie Sue (Green); son, Jason Tyler Peters; daughters, Lisa Marie Peters, Kelsey Lynne (Alex) Heath; and grandson, Grayson James Heath; a sister, Ellen Peters Clemens; and brothers, Dale (Pam) Peters and John Peters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Ed Peters; nephew, Matthew Clemens; and brother-in-law, Gary Clemens.
Born in Kankakee, Ill., with his childhood being spent in Deerfield, Ill. He attended college at Northwest Missouri State University. He graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Nutrition. After graduation he took his first job in Fort Wayne, Ind., with Allied Mills selling animal feed.
Don met his wife, Lonnie, in the spring of 1979, and they married May 1, 1982.
From the moment they were married, whether it be coaching baseball, tearing down log cabins, raising their children, or doing Civil War reenacting, they were a team, not always by Lonnie’s choice. After starting a family, Don decided on a career move. He took a job with Bristol-Myers selling animal pharmaceuticals. Throughout 30 years and numerous company buyouts the family settled in Peculiar, where he retired.
Don coached Little League baseball in Fort Wayne after college and would continue coaching his own kids as they got into sports. He was always the voice of encouragement they could hear. When his youngest daughter decided to join the cross-country team in school he thought why not start running. He continued even after she had graduated.
Still having so much to give, after retiring he took a position as Executive Director at the Cass County Historical Society. His love of history and his incredible ability to tell stories never failed him. From mock trials with middle schoolers, research, or talks given to any group who asked, he always had a captive audience. He had an amazing talent for getting people involved and having fun before they even knew what was happening.
Don had a great love for history, sports, fishing, gardening, and family. An avid baseball fan, he was a lifelong member of the Chicago Cubs fan club. He always planned things larger than life, whether it be work related, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties on the farm, or just being one of the kids. His wit was unsurpassed, his heart large, and he will be missed greatly.
A visitation will be held at Cullen Funeral Home Inc., 612 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore, on Friday, December 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. For the visitation, we would like to celebrate Don’s life and love for his alma mater. We invite everyone to please wear white and green or any Northwest apparel to honor him. A memorial service will be held at Cullen Funeral Home, Inc. on Saturday, December 16 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Ascend Hospice, 783 NE Anderson Lane, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64064 or Risen From the Ashes Rescue, 26 NW 701st Rd. Centerview, Missouri 64019.
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc.
Raymore, Missouri 816-322-5278
Comments