Willard H. Peters
Willard H. Peters, 94, of Winamac, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 14. He passed away surrounded by his family.
Willard was born on May 2, 1925, in Harrison Township at the “cement block house” east of Winamac, to the late Walter L. and Cora E. (Warmbrod) Peters. On Dec. 5, 1948, he married the love of his life, Helen L. Skinner, at Pleasant Hill Church in Bruce Lake. Willard was a heavy equipment operator having worked for Meiser Bros., Smeltzers and C & S Construction. He was also a farmer and raised hogs. After retirement, Willard worked part time at Tippecanoe River State Park.
Willard was a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Church, where he held many offices and enjoyed greeting people as they arrived at church on Sunday. He was a longtime volunteer at Red Bird Mission and Henderson Settlement in Kentucky. Willard loved to serve the Lord by serving others.
Willard was a member of Winamac Lodge #262 F&AM where he served many years as Tyler. He received his Award of Gold in 2010. He was a member of the Murat Shrine and Scottish Rite. Willard was a member of Tippecanoe Chapter #96 OES for over fifty years. He deeply appreciated the many friendships acquired over the years as a Mason.
Willard and Helen were instrumental in the organization of the Tippecanoe Twirlers and enjoyed square dancing for many years. They also enjoyed taking bus trips all over the United States. They especially loved taking trips to Branson, Missouri, for the music. Another special trip was taken to Australia when Willard and Helen went to visit their exchange student, Ann Palfreyman Houston. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending time at his lake cottage on Bruce Lake. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. Willard had a knack for raising roses.
Most of all, Willard loved his family very much. He loved to attend the many activities of his daughters and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Willard was a man of few words; with a heart of gold. His presence will be missed in all of our lives.
He is survived by his wife Helen L. (Skinner) Peters of Winamac; daughters: Connie [Don] Reid of Star City, Joan [Ray] Schultz of Medaryville, and Linda [Dan] Ruhl of Star City; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; sisters: Ellen Horn of Kewanna, and Lulu Belle Walker of Bunker Hill; brother-in-law Ralph Master of Washington, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter L. and Cora E. (Warmbrod) Peters; sisters: Lucille [Devon] Overmyer, Olive [Earl] Master and Norma Master; and brothers-in-law: Gene Horn and Bill Walker.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, and one hour prior to services at the church Thursday. Masonic services and Eastern Star services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Frain Mortuary. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Lake Bruce. Pastor Dave Sommers officiated. Burial took place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lake Bruce.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Church Memorial Fund or Shriners Hospital for Children.
(Pulaski County Journal — Sept. 25, 2019)