Richard Peters

LIFESTORY:

Although Richard Peters was well known for his contagious laughter and fun-loving spirit, it will be his unending devotion to those he loved that will be his shining legacy. A lifelong resident of the community he served, Rick wholeheartedly gave everything his best no matter whether the task was great or small. He was the sort of guy who was always there for whomever needed him, someone we could count on at the drop of a hat. Taken from his family, friends, and community too soon, Rick will be deeply missed while the legacy he leaves behind will be carried on by those who follow him.

The sixties were some of the most turbulent years our nation has ever seen. Civil rights and women’s rights were front and center while the Vietnam War continued to divide us. We mourned the loss of President John F. Kennedy, and the cultural fabric of our nation was shaped by Barbie, blue jeans, and Elvis. Amidst this unprecedented time a young couple from Kankakee, Illinois, was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome their healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on May 28, 1963. Richard Allen was one of three children born to his parents, Maynard “Pete” and Judy Peters, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Jean and Kim. For the most part Rick, as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation.

Throughout his life Rick worked hard in the public service industry. For nine years he worked as a police officer in his community, and he was recently promoted to a sergeant at Dwight Correctional Center. Rick was also a devoted EMT who volunteered for the Herscher Fire Department for 10 years.

There was never anything more near and dear to Rick’s heart than his loved ones. He was thrilled to be a father to four wonderful daughters: Amy, Tiffany, Leann, and Amy. Rick met and later married the love of his life, Barbara R. (Edgar) Peters, in April of 2007.

If there was one thing Rick did it was live life to the fullest each day. He loved so many things along the way, too. He enjoyed traveling, often camping, and he took numerous pictures to chronicle his adventures. Always up for a good time, Rick liked singing karaoke, usually singing “Don’t Take the Girl” by Tim McGraw. He loved going out to bowl or shoot pool, but when he was at home he was often found in his “man cave.” When looking to relax Rick enjoyed watching movies, and he had quite the collection of movies as well, but Star Wars was by far his favorite. He liked sports and cheering on his favorite home teams, the Bears and the Cubs. Rick also followed the NASCAR circuit, and his favorite driver was Jimmie Johnson.

As his friends and family can attest, Rick was such a special person in so many ways. He loved to laugh, and he made sure those around him shared his laughter as well. Rick never tired of telling the old jokes, and he always had a joke appropriate for any occasion at the ready. With his big heart he was more than willing to help others whenever he could, even if it was just to offer encouragement to his family and friends as he was always their biggest supporter.

Life will never be the same without Richard “Rick” Peters here, but the impact he made in the lives of those around him was significant. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, and loyal friend who was always there for others. Never one to let life pass him by, Rick fully embraced the days he was given while enjoying so many of the best things that life has to offer. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered for generations to come.

Richard “Rick” Peters died on Friday, May 25, 2012. Rick’s family includes his wife, Barbara of Herscher IL; four daughters, Amy (Daniel) Jones of Bradley IL, Tiffany (Josh) Peters of Kankakee IL, Leann (Kendal) Peters of Bourbonnais IL, and Amy (Daniel) Cone of Jackson TN; mother and step father, Judy and Leo Harding of Bonfield IL; two sisters, Jean Churilla of Aroma Park IL and Kim (Rick) Malone of AK; and many nieces and nephews. A gathering for family and friends will be Wednesday, May 30, 2012, from 4-8 p.m. at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes. Rick’s celebration of his life funeral service will be Thursday, May 31, 2012, at 10 a.m. with burial following at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Rick’s name to the family wishes. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.