Donny Paul Peters: June 7, 1974 - April 4, 2026

June 7, 1974, was the first day of wheat harvest in Northwest Oklahoma, but harvest for the Peters family had to wait one more day. Donny Paul Peters was born in the Newman Memorial Hospital to Robert and Donna Peters of Vici, Oklahoma, that day. Siblings Tommy and Robbie Jo helped welcome him home.

Donny’s parents bought a farm northeast of Arnett, Oklahoma. At 14 months of age, the family moved there, where he attended Arnett Public Schools from kindergarten to graduating with the class of 1992. He was active in baseball and FFA. In the summer, he liked to go on wagon train and trail riding trips with his grandparents. He enjoyed dancing, team roping, hunting, fishing, and being with his friends. Having a big smile, always ready, and a real gift of gab, he made friends everywhere.

After graduation, Donny attended one year at Oklahoma Panhandle State University and then moved to Nebraska to work as a ranch hand. In a couple of years, he realized how lonely the cowboy life truly was. He wanted more around him, more people, and more experiences. Talking to the Army recruiters in Kearney, Nebraska, he knew he wanted to serve his country in the United States Army and signed up immediately.

On April 19, 1995, he began his military life. He loved the Army and spoke often and fondly of his experiences, but mostly of his Army buddies. There was definitely a deep bond between them, and only they would ever understand its depth.

He was stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with two stints in Micronesia on the island of Kosrae. He served as a mechanic and became a certified diver in the beautiful tropical water of the Pacific Ocean. Back in Alaska, his main job was on a deep-sea fishing boat, assisting dignitaries and retired military officials on successful fishing adventures. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he stayed active in the National Guard. Donny spent sixteen years in service to his country.

He moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he worked for Empire Caterpillar and HDT Tent Company. There are several notebooks full of certificates of successful advanced training and awards on all kinds of machinery and heavy equipment. He was a trained instructor for many machines. Occasionally, Donny would make a pot of chili for his friends and coworkers. But his cinnamon rolls were the biggest hit of all. They were legendary. He got his Grandma Peters’ recipe, tweaked it a little, and they were requested everywhere.

November 1, 2019, Donny and his daughter, Brenna “Parker” Peters, made McGregor, TX, their home, where he lived until his passing. He enjoyed his employment with Darr Equipment Company, where he made many dear friends. The many years of military service and hard labor took their toll, and he became totally disabled and unable to work.

Donny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Marjorie Peters, Camargo, OK; Harold and Mamie Wayland, Arnett, OK; three uncles, one aunt, and two cousins.

Survivors include daughter, Brenna “Parker” Rose Peters; parents, Robert and Donna Peters; sister and brother-in-law, Robbie Jo and Paul Allison of McGregor, TX; brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Chanda Peters of Woodward, OK; five nephews, Travis, Troy, Wyatt, and Will Allison, and Luke Peters; three great-nieces, Carli, Londyn, and Tatum; and one great-nephew, Bodhi; other family members and a host of friends.