Obituaries

Joe and I met a couple of days before we started at the United States Air Force Academy. Little did we know what lay before us. It was always great to meet again at Class reunions. I am proud to be a classmate and friend of Joe.

Posted by Everett Vaughn on May 27, 2023

Trudy and Family: Although Joe and I were not close throughout our careers, he was always a warm and cheerful person to engage, a fun person to be around. His positive nature created an atmosphere of easy conversation. So sorry for your loss. I will miss visiting with him. Lou Matjasko

Posted by Lou Matjasko on May 23, 2023

Trudy and family-I was deeply saddened to learn of Joe's passing today from the Academy. Joe and I were squadron mates and roommates at the Academy, so we first met in the summer of 1959. He was a few years older than me, and I looked up to him because he had some "real life experience in the big Air Force." I always enjoyed spending time with him. We shared lots of laughs together as roomies, and he always helped ease any anxieties I had during freshman year. During our last three years at "the zoo," Joe and I spent lots of time doing athletic and military stuff, but probably not enough time hitting the books. I think we were both tremendously impressed to have Pres. Kennedy speak at our graduation. Then our paths took separate directions--him to pilot training, B-52s, C-130s, Vietnam, etc. Me into the world of intelligence. We quickly lost touch with only infrequent contacts. But through all the 60-years since 1963, I have never forgotten his irrasible wit, country charm, and good-natured friendship. I frequently wish that we had stayed in closer touch. It was my distinct pleasure and honor to have known Joe. May God bless him, you, and your family, Rich O'Lear

Posted by Richard O\'Lear on May 22, 2023

The first time I met Joe I have to admit I was a little intimidated but that soon changed to admiration. Soon I came to love him and looked forward to seeing him every month. The amount of respect I held for him can’t begin to be described. He and Trudy became family to me. They gave me an opportunity to grow in my career, one I didn’t feel I was trained for, but their faith in me gave me the strength to try. I have many special memories of both my successes and failures as I tried to meet his expectations in my job. Joe never made me feel like a failure. We all know the story of the Little Red Engine. That’s how. Joe and Trudy made me and my team feel….. I think I can I think I can….I can! Joe and Trudy were greatly respected and loved by my team. Trudy made us want to please her and help her agency grow. Joe gave us the tools and support to be able to do that. He gave us pride in ourselves, our job, and in each other. “Fly your plane and plan your flight. “ That is something he said to us many times. Many of us still use that in our daily lives. You will be greatly missed Joe Peters. Peggy (Purple Team)

Posted by Peggy Cleghorn on May 22, 2023

Joe has always be so kind to me as has Trudy. They have always treated me as family and I love them both dearly. Go rest high on that mountain Mr. Peters you work on earth.

Posted by Betty Walters on May 18, 2023

Joe was one of a kind! I know he will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for Trudy and his family. As a previous employee (the purple team) we have good memories of Joe and his “life lessons”. I still live by, and tell others to “plan your flight and fly your plan”. Your flight plan is complete, Joe, job well done!

Posted by Alisa Amiott on May 18, 2023

Mr. Joe Peters was not just a client to me. He was someone who gave me a chance when I first started in insurance. I was so scared walking into that meeting with all these people around a big table, but he instantly made me feel at ease. He has a spirit like no other. And his wife Trudy just gave me a big hug and I knew I didn’t have a new client I had an extension of family. That is was 23 years ago and over the years he became like a Grandpa to me. Him and Trudy both were there to talk with me, let me cry when I lost family members, help me laugh when I was stressed to the max about how to get their rates down. So many times they were just there for me when they didn’t have to be. Joe had an adventurous and blessed life and he will be truly missed. I am so thankful I had the pleasure of knowing him.

Posted by Brooke Riley on May 17, 2023

I've always told Joe he was my second dad, and I loved him as such. He was a great man who loved his family, his work family, and his Lord. He will be missed so very much. Thank you to Joe for 25 years of advice and mentorship. But mostly thank you for just being you.

Posted by Janet Johnson on May 17, 2023

Trudy, We are saddened to hear of your loss. Joe will be missed as we’ve been neighbors a long time. I remember him wading into the pond in his good clothes to help me land a huge catfish and his hand coming up hollering “I’m ok “after a hard landing from his motorcycle. He was truly a character . Always ready with a smile and a friendly wave. Rest easy Joe, you deserve it. Prayers for you and family. Linda and the boys🙏

Posted by Linda on May 17, 2023