1917 – Kenneth W. Peters – 2017
Ken was born August 24, 1928 in Slayton, Minnesota. After graduating from Slayton High School in 1946, he received a B.A. degree from Luther College in 1950, where he also lettered in football. In 1958, he was awarded the Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration (MHA) from Baylor University through the US Army-Baylor program. While attending Purdue University graduate school in Chemistry Ken accepted a direct commission in the USAF Medical Service Corps. He was called to active duty May 21, 1951. After several assignments in hospitals and medical staff positions Ken was appointed Chief, USAF Medical Service Corps in July 1975. He serviced as Corps Chief until October 1979 when he retired from active duty. In October 1979, he joined the staff of The Texas Hospital Association as Vice President, Planning. He retired from THA in February 1987 as a Senior Vice President. He was an active member of the American Hospital Association, the College of Healthcare Executives, the Texas Society of Association Executives and the American Society of Association Executives as well as several military organizations. He achieved Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executive (FACHE) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) status in the American Society of Association Executives. Ken enjoyed living and playing golf at Onion Creek. He served as the Volunteer Chairman for the LPGA tournaments held there and also served on the club Board of Directors and was President of the Men’s Golf Association in 1991. Ken enjoyed all the friends he met at the Independent living community near Onion Creek. While attending Luther College he met Dorothy Thompson and they were married May 13, 1951. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Deanne and Kathryn. Ken was the youngest of six children born to John and Katherine Peters. Ken was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Ken of Onion Creek died December 19, 2017 at the age 89.
Ken is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughters: Deanne and husband Russ, Kathryn and husband Dan; three grandchildren: Rebecca and husband Andy, Grace, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Earl, Harry, Lester, Lyle; and sister, Esther.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Bethany Lutheran Church. Graveside Service was 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
