Donald Leroy Peters

Donald L. Peters, age 97 of Ithaca, passed away June 6, 2018 at his home.

Don was born August 27, 1920 the son of Ernest and Hazel Belle (Cassady) Peters on the Peters’ family farm one-half mile north of where he lived today. He attended school in Ithaca and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1938. Like many of the young men and women of his generation in Ithaca in the late 1930’s, Don was a farmer and spent most of his days doing chores, milking the cows, and feeding the hogs.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Don knew his life was about to change. He received his draft notice and took his oath in Detroit on August 17, 1942. He was assigned to the 54th Medical Battalion at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts and took part in the invasion of Sicily. Donald was an ambulance driver and earned a Bronze Star and commendation from his commanding general.

Don was an avid Ithaca Yellowjacket enthusiast and for many years was always in the bleachers cheering on the Jackets at their sporting events. He also loved watching and cheering for MSU and the Detroit Tigers.

Don is survived by his wife Joyce, three children Rebecca (Mike) Smith of Ithaca, Nancy (Dennis) Snyder of St. Louis, Tim Peters of Perry; seven grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren with number 11 due in October.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and their spouses Percy (Mozelle) Peters of Carson City, Norene (Milton) Rozen of St. Johns, and Evelyn (Harry) Newton of Newman, GA.

The family is very grateful to his caregivers from Daily Living Home Care, Inc. of Ithaca who helped keep his wish to pass at home.

Funeral services for Don will be 1pm Friday, June 8, 2018 at the St. Louis Church of Christ. Dr. Keith Wise will officiate and burial will be at North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7pm Thursday, June 7, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca as well as from noon until the time of the service Friday June 8, at the St. Louis Church of Christ. Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Louis Church of Christ or the Gratiot Commission on Aging.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.