Kevin D. Peters

ST. JOSEPH – Kevin D. Peters, 57, died at 6:55 p.m. Monday (Aug. 1, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Peggy Ball of Savoy; his three amazing children, Amanda Peters Miller of Ogden, Andrea R. (Troy) Ray of rural St. Joseph and Joshua D. Peters of Ogden; six grandchildren who are loves of his life, Graham Michael Ray, Easton Charles Ray, Lake Marie Ray, Aubrey Linn Miller, Atleigh Rae Miller and Ace Maverick Miller; a brother, Michael Ray (Cheryl) Peters of St. Joseph; and sister, Sharon Lee (Brian) Ball of rural Dewey. His mother, Marilyn Peters of St. Joseph, also survives, as well as many beloved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Gene Peters; his maternal grandparents, Claude and Elsie Schartiger; and his paternal grandparents, Bill and Opal Lange.

Kevin was born on March 22, 1959, in Urbana to parents Ray Gene Peters and F. Marilyn Schartiger Peters. He grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1977.

During his lifetime, he worked for Carriage House furniture store in Champaign; at Alloy Casting; and finally enjoyed a career as a corrections counselor at the Illinois Department of Corrections, working in Adult Transition Centers, and was cited several times for having perfect attendance.

In 2015, Kevin retired as a stores supervisor from the Danville Correctional Center, making time for more Cubs baseball games, yard work and most importantly, his wonderful, loving family and beautiful grandchildren.

Kevin was a life member of the National Rifle Association and loved hunting. He was very proud of his 10-point buck.

Officiating high school baseball and basketball (IHSA) was an important part of Kevin's life for 35 years. He was a dedicated and talented official who had great respect from fellow officials, coaches and athletic directors in Illinois.

He was a member of IBOA (Illini Basketball Officials Association) and officiated at the Girls' State Basketball Tournament three times, in 2010, 2011 and 2013. It was one of the biggest honors of his life to referee the championship game at this tournament in both 2011 and 2013.

Friends knew Kevin as easygoing and having a wonderful smile, which he wore almost all the time. His children are his pride and joy. The grandchildren made him extremely happy.

In 2006, he married Peggy Ball in Champaign, who waited her whole life of 47 years just for him.

Those who knew Kevin knew he was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs and greatly enjoyed their recent success and looked forward to great things from them.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, also at Freese Funeral Home. Pastor Jay Johnson of the St. John Lutheran Church in Royal will officiate.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations can be directed to the American Heart Association.