Bill Lawrence Peters
February 17, 2013
Bill Lawrence Peters, 86, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed from this life February 17, 2013. We lost our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend after only a four-day illness. Please do not grieve for Bill, because he led a large and full life. He is with his God and Savior in whom he put all his faith.
Bill was born May 25, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, to L. J. and Mary Frances Johnson Peters. L. J. was a hard-working man with great vision for being ahead of his time. These same traits were passed on to Bill. His word was his bond, and Bill’s handshake solidified business both large and small.
Bill was successful in road construction and land development, helping with the construction of Interstate 35 and Freeway 235. His hard work and donations played a large roll in the Copper Creek Development of Pleasant Hill, Iowa.
His passions were boating with his family and friends and Thoroughbred Racing. His fame was for purchasing, racing, and breeding the great mare Mariah’s Storm. After consulting with friends, he chose Storm Cat, and the coupling produced the great race horse and stallion Giant’s Causeway. The film “The Dreamer” was loosely based on Mariah’s racing career. Bill loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, watching Westerns and playing cards at the Elks Lodge.
His love and devotion to family and friends made him a rich man indeed. Because of his loyalty and kindness he will never be forgotten and will be missed forever. His memory will be carried on by his friends and family.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, L.J. and Mary Frances Peters. He leaves behind his wife Nancy of Hot Springs, sons Steve Peters and Jay Peters (wife Kimberly) of Des Moines, Iowa, daughter Stacy Peters Harris Riedel (husband Joshua) of Ft. Worth, Texas; and five grandchildren Ryan Peters, Sage Harris, Savana Harris, Lincoln Jay Peters, and Lauren Peters.
Donations can be made to Grace Community Church of Pleasant Hill, or the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund, P. O. Box 803, Elm Hurst, Illinois 60126.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel.
An additional visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 25, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa, with a memorial service 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2013, also at Hamilton’s.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Denny and Jan Burns
02/25/2013
Steve, My sincere condolences to a long time friend. your father was an awesome man. I look back and realize that I learned a lot from him and I have fond memories from the Bomber days. I hope things are going well for you and it would be nice to get together for lunch. I would be there to honor your Dad's life but I am on the west coast. Jan and I send our best wishes to you.
Your friend,
Denny Burns
Candace & Clarence Phipps
02/25/2013
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.Our sincere condolences, Bill will be missed.Clarence,Candace, Jeff and Jana
Nicole Brockett
02/24/2013
Bill sounds like a passionate and wonderful man full of beautiful stories of his family and travels. i'm very sad to hear of his passing and wish I had an opportunity to meet him. He truly sounds like a great man.
My sincere condolences to my family for your loss. My thoughts are with you all. - Nicole
Dave Downey
02/23/2013
Steve, I was sadden to hear the loss of your Dad. I have great memories of him. I hope everything is going well for you. I retired in April of 2011.
Bernie Kersey
02/23/2013
My condolences to Nancy and her family. Bill was a business client who seemed more like a good friend.
A great guy who will be missed.
Michael Ballard
02/23/2013
Steve: My wife Diane and I are in Mexico until April. We read the paper daily on our computers. Sorry to hear about Bill's passing. It appears there was only a short illness and I would view that as a blessing for a guy that was always so active. I was surprised to see that you are still in the Des Moines area. We need to get together when we get back to the US.
Mary Mangra
02/19/2013
Jay, We are so sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you and your family in this time of sorrow.