Ward L. Peters, age 87, of Jasper, FL. passed away Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Suwannee Valley Nursing Center in Jasper. Ward was born in Creston, Iowa on April 5, 1924 to the late Grant and Eva Peters. Known for his winning personality, Ward was lucky enough to meet Eunice Hayes in Des Moines, Iowa and on September 4, 1982 they were married. He worked hard as a butcher and meat department manager for 15 years and went on to a second career with the public school system in Des Moines where he worked for another 25 years before retiring to Jasper, Florida in 1984. Ward loved fishing and loved being outdoors. He had an engaging manner and sense of humor that made him popular with all who knew him. Ward was an eternal optimist and had a selfless devotion to family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Eunice Peters of Jasper; one son, Dennis Peters (Kathy), Forest Lake, Minnesota; one daughter, Bonnie Smith (Steve), Cedar Falls, Iowa; his step son, John Stanley Hayes (Barbara), Perry, FL.; four step daughters, Bobbie Barry (Steve), Lawrenceville, GA.; Rita Robinson, Live Oak, FL.; Gail Sloat (David), Quincy, FL. and Jane Stuessy (Rob), Sheridan, Wyoming; seven grandchildren, twelve step-grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Jasper, FL. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Jasper.