William B. Peters

William B. Peters, 88, previously of Hobart, IN, passed away peacefully early Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at Valley View Health Care Center, Fremont. He was born on March 8, 1923 in Lily, Kentucky to William C. & Grace (Davis) Peters. After graduating from Lily High School in 1941, he moved to Gary, IN joining 3 of his older brothers who had moved there to work in the steel mills. After the start of WWII he joined the U.S. Army and trained at Fort Bliss, TX. He served with the 7th Armored Division and was in 5 major battle campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) and Rhineland. He received the Good Conduct Medal, a Victory Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, a European Theatre Ribbon and an American Theatre Ribbon. After the war, he married his childhood sweetheart, Charlotte M. Martin on April 7, 1946 and they moved to Hobart, IN. She preceded him in death on Oct. 22, 2009 after 63 ½ years of marriage. William worked at U.S. Steel, as a milkman for Cloverleaf Dairy, and in retail sales for Montgomery Ward and J.C. Penney. He retired in 1983. He enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. He attended many family and Army Unit reunions. Bill, as he was known to his friends, also enjoyed baking, gardening and writing poetry. He was active in the Gideon’s and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hobart, IN, were he was very active and served in a number of positions. After moving to Fremont, he joined Grace Community Church. His faith as a Christian was absolute and he approached the end of his life with calmness and serenity. He said “My ticket has been paid for, my bags are packed, and the reception committee is waiting for me.” Surviving are his son, Dr. Ralph (Lori) Peters of Fremont and daughter, Charlene (Michael) Baron of Bedford, TX; six grandchildren, Gretchen Jones, John (Michelle) Peters, Mark Baron, Jeff (Andrea) Baron, Timothy Baron and Cristopher Baron; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Willa (Odell) Benge and numerous nieces and nephews. He was loved by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed. Visitation was held in Fremont, OH on September 2. Local Visitation will be at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E. 7th St., Hobart, IN on Tuesday September 6, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home (Hobart). Pastor Dick Brown officiating. Interment at Graceland Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions in William’s memory may be made to the Gideon’s or a charity of the donor’s choice.

William B. Peters

March 8, 1923 - August 30, 2011