Willard F. 'Pete' Peters, 87

LEWES - Willard F. "Pete" Peters of Lewes died peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, after a prolonged battle against kidney failure. He was 87.

Mr. Peters was born Nov. 2, 1919, in Hillcrest. As a child, he moved with his family to both Ogden, Pa., and Boothwyn, Pa.

He graduated from Eddystone High School in 1937 and went to work as an accountant.

Mr. Peters joined the U.S. Army on May 5, 1942, and fought in World War II as a first lieutenant with the 179th Infantry, 45th Division, in Europe and Africa. He received a Purple Heart and Silver Star.

After his honorable discharge on Nov. 16, 1945, he settled down with his wife in Wilmington.

Mr. Peters worked with Sun Oil Co. as a heating and air conditioning technician until his retirement in 1977.

He and his wife moved from their home in Indian Field to Long Neck in 1978, where he enjoyed such hobbies as painting, woodcarving and endearing himself to residents of the area.

After a heart attack in 2003, Mr. Peters and his wife moved to Lewes to be closer to their family and the local medical care facilities.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth (Ravilious) Peters; a son, Craig Peters, of upstate New York; two grandsons, Ryan Peters of Lewes and Chris Peters of Newark; a granddaughter, Paula Rogan of Baltimore; and three great-grandchildren, Bailey Peters of Newark, Zoe Peters of Lewes and Brennan Rogan of Baltimore.

Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Kidney Fund Inc.,1100 Lovering Ave., Suite 10B, Wilmington, DE 19806.

Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.