William D. Peters, age 72 years, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2014 at his home in Leeton, Missouri. Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 3, 2014 at Drakes Chapel United Methodist Church, Clinton, Missouri. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 2, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, Missouri. Interment will be in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Share & Care or Crossroads Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

William was born October 14, 1941 in Clinton, Missouri the son of Ernest and Stella (Woods) Peters.

In his children's early years he spent weekends pulling a horse trailer filled with their horses and tack to horse shows in the Kaysinger Circuit. As a father he taught his children strong work ethic - "to never be burnin' daylight." He worked for Peabody Coal as a heavy equipment operator. William was a rancher-living on the family farm most of his life. He enjoyed team roping in rodeos, and competed in the URA Rodeo Association. Collecting classic cars was another favorite hobby-his most cherished being a 1940 Ford Coupe. He also loved to do oil paintings of country scenes. William was a member of the Heavy Equipment Operators Union Local 101, Clinton Elks Lodge, American Quarter Horse Association, United Rodeo Association, and the Drakes Chapel United Methodist Church.

Anyone who ever met Bill knew he lived a full and adventurous life. He loved his family, his dogs, horses, and his classic cars. Most will remember Bill for his great horse trading skills. He was always working a "deal" on a horse or a vehicle. His family and others will remember him for the great love of his family. A wonderful man will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Jo Stark.

Survivors include his wife, Verna of the home; 5 children, Kim and Kimberly Marcum of Sedalia, Missouri, Valorie and John Ruth of Leawood, Kansas, Mark and Lisa Peters of Clinton, Missouri, Travis and Tabitha Allen of Warrensburg, Missouri, and Chris Allen of Clinton, Missouri; 9 grandchildren, Amanda, Angie, Katie, Abbie, Lindsay, Brooke, Dylan, Jared, and Zain; 2 great-grandchildren, Bennett and Maleah; sister, Rosalie Peters Bennett of Clinton, Missouri; brother-in-law, Ron (Inju) Snyder of Fletcher, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Charlene Snyder of Fletcher, Oklahoma, as well as his loving dog, Susie.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.