Donald Stoner Peters

Donald "Don" Stoner Peters, 94, of Medina, Texas, crossed into eternity on August 23, 2024, at 1:14PM at his Texas Hill Country home, surrounded by family. Don was born on December 29, 1929, in Champaign, Illinois, the youngest son of Rowena and Woodford Peters, and brother to Lina and Dale. Don moved with his family to Kansas in 1941 when his father became the seventh president of McPherson College. In 2017 Don honored his father’s leadership of McPherson College by funding the construction of the Woodford W. Peters Landmark Sign, marking the entrance to the campus.

Don married Constance (Connie) Joy Jones of McPherson, Kansas, on July 19, 1953. Don and Connie enjoyed 61 years of marriage before Connie died in 2014. Their marriage produced four children: Matthew (wife Diana), Leigh (husband Chuck), Polly, and Tim (wife Tammy). They have eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also had numerous nieces and nephews, along with their families and close friends who revered him as a leader and mentor.

Don lived in Kansas until May of 2021, when he and Polly decided to move to the Texas Hill Country, where Leigh and Chuck have been living for nearly 20 years. After being diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the lung in 2019 at the age of 90, he decided to forego any treatments and live life to the fullest. Once in Texas, Polly, Diana, and Matthew built a new house on a hillside across from a cypress-lined creek near Medina, Texas. Don loved sitting outside on the patio, soaking up the view and the sunshine, of which there is ample supply. Those closest to Don will miss his outstanding sense of humor and ability to see the good in every situation.

Don spent his career in Wichita, Kansas, where he was involved in many entrepreneurial activities, including Pizza Hut, Rent-A-Center, Tectel, Burger King, and Collins Industries, just to name a few, during and after his career at the Fourth National Bank, where he was Senior Vice President of the Investment Division. After his retirement from the Fourth, he ventured out with an investment management group and eventually formed Central Plains Advisors, where Don and Polly worked together for 25 years. Don was a great provider for his family and offered them many opportunities throughout their lives.

Don was family-oriented, and it was a priority to have dinner together every night, where discussions were lively as the family talked about subjects many won’t attempt these days: religion and politics. The Peters’ home on Dellrose in Wichita was always full of a multitude of pets and family friends. Don also cherished summer vacations, where the family would take two weeks and hit the road. The family had fun, and the kids sometimes fought, while visiting many states and historical sites across the country in the family station wagon.

Don and Connie loved this country and instilled that love in their children. They were involved in county, state, and national politics, always eager to help a candidate who shared the same ideals. Don was twice a delegate to the Republican National Convention for the State of Kansas and met multiple Presidents, his very favorite being Ronald Reagan.

Don was a doer. He thrived on action and jumped into new opportunities with both feet, often trusting the untrustworthy. He loved sports and played basketball, baseball, and football in his youth. He was once a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. After investing in the education of his four children, all of whom graduated from Kansas State University, Don became a big fan of their football team and college football in general. He loved his Wildcats but also pulled for any of the old Big 12 teams when they were not playing against Kansas State.

Knowing that the Lord has a place prepared for each of his children in eternity with Him, we all look forward to the day when we see the Lord and our loved ones and feel certain that Don will be making everyone laugh.

Don’s family would like to express gratitude to Peterson Hospice for their excellent care. Donations or memorials may be made to: https://petersonhealthfoundation-bloom.kindful.com NOTE: please use the drop down menu at that web page and select the option labeled: “Hospice Greatest Need - Five Star Care in the Texas Hill Country” Or if by mail, send to: Peterson Hospice, 250 Cully Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028.

According to Don’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.