Billy Joe Peters, 83, formerly of the Severance area,  passed away on May 6, 2017 at LaVerna Village Nursing Home in Savannah, MO.

He was a long time resident of St Joseph, MO. Billy was born August 16, 1933 to John Arthur and Blanche Rosalie (Ptomey) Peters in St Joseph, MO. He was a member Methodist Church, Severance, KS.

He graduated from Highland High School in 1952.  

Bill worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a line foreman, Swift and Company in St Joseph MO as a meat processor, and Borax where he traveled across the US spraying railways. He retired from Quaker Oats in 1995 after 27 years of service. He was a member of the Quaker Oats Quarter Century Club.

In 1981, Bill and Bernita “Benny” Merritt married; together with Bill’s eight children and Benny’s six, made a family of 14.  

Bill’s life was filled with numerous hobbies and pastimes. He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, and trapping. He loved to play cards with friends and family and could be found at the local casinos playing his favorite slot machine. His true love was spending time with family and sharing stories from times past.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Blanche Peters, wife Benita, three daughters Diana Peters, Diana Lindsey, Michelle Walts, five grandsons Tim Davis, Jason Mills, Kyle Peters, Daniel Fattig, Jeremy Lindsey.

He is survived by his children: Debbie (Larry) Price Savannah, MO; Mike (Tami) Peters Highland, KS; Regina Mills Wheatland, WY; Kevin (Lousie) Peters, Omaha, NE; Rodney (Colleen) Peters Tucson, AZ; Billy (Jane) Peters Bandon, OR; Valerie (Kermit) Fattig St Joseph, MO;  Dennis (Connie) Merritt, Easton, MO; Paula (Mike) Welsh St Joseph, MO; Mark Merritt St Joseph, MO; Marvin (Cindy) Merritt St Joseph, MO. 35 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren and 2 great great. Three brothers Wayne Peters Savannah, MO;  Frank (Dixie) Peters Hiawatha, KS; Jerry Peters St Joseph, MO; and one sister Pat Olson Hiawatha, KS.

Memorial: LaVerna Village Nursing Home in Savannah, MO or Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance, KS

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Thursday, where the family will meet from 4:30 until 6:30 that evening with a celebration of life service starting at 6:30.  Cremation will follow service with private family inurnment to be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com