Richard Carl Peters

Memorial services for Richard Carl Peters, 92, Lawrence, will be held at a later date. Richard passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at his home.

Richard was born on March 20, 1928 in Frankfort, Kansas the son of Carl and Hazel (Cisne) Peters. His childhood was in part defined by the Great Depression and World War II, with the family relocating repeatedly throughout the Midwest, and his father frequently absent due to work. Despite the hardships, he recalled his childhood as being quite happy. He became an Eagle Scout in 1942, while living in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, at 14 years of age. The family returned to Kansas City in 1943, and Richard graduated from Westport High School in 1945.

World War II ended before he could join, but Richard enlisted in the Army after the war, serving first in the Infantry, and then as a draftsman with Corps of Engineers, to include a six month stint in the Aleutian islands. After separating from the Army, Richard began his architecture studies at the University of Kansas with the help of the GI Bill and the Army Air Force ROTC. His studies were interrupted in 1951, when he was called back to active duty during the Korean conflict. Richard remained an officer in the Air Force Reserve, occasionally being recalled to active duty, such as during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, and ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976.

Richard separated from active duty in 1953, returned to KU, and completed his architectural degree in 1954. He worked for several architectural firms following graduation, and in 1957, at just 29 years of age, decided to start his own firm. The early years were difficult, but with experience and incremental successes, the firm grew and later merged with another practice, becoming larger still. Richard stayed with his firm for 33 years, and was very proud of their many projects, to include the following:

Deerfield Elementary School, Babcock Senior Apartments., Haworth Hall and Child Development Center., Lawrence City Hall, Lawrence Public Library, Edgewood Public Housing, Frank Carlson Federal Office Building in Topeka, Maupintour Travel headquarters {now KU Extension}, Alvamar and Lawrence Country Clubs, the Golf Course Superintendents Headquarters, First Baptist Church, Westside Presbyterian Church, and his personal favorite, the home he designed and had built for his family in Lawrence.

He married Mary Kathleen Denny in 1951. They celebrated their 50 year anniversary in 2001, and were blessed with three children and five grandchildren. Kathy passed away in 2007, but Richard was delighted to find a second “love of his life” in Carol Louise (Freeman) Owen They were married on May 18, 2008 in Lawrence, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Richard was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA); a past president of the Kansas Chapter of the AIA; a distinguished alumnus of the KU school of architecture and a prior visiting professor at the school; a past member of the board of directors for the Lawrence National Bank, United Way, and Cottonwood; past president Lawrence Country Club; past elder and trustee for the Westside Presbyterian Church; and a 50 year member of Rotary.

Other survivors include his children, Chris (Julie) Peters, Coralville, Iowa, Laura Peters, Overland Park, KS, John Peters, Wellington, KS; step-children, Dan (Connie) Owen, Overland Park, KS, Sarah Bourgeois (Rod) Old Greenwich, CT, Cisley Thummel (Rob) Leawood, KS; sister-in-law, Virginia Kinsch, Topeka; nephews, Greg Peters, Middletown, CA, Brad Peters, Overland Park, KS; grandchildren, Cole, Jake, and Caleb Peters, Hailey Vincent, Ethan Rackham, step-grandchildren, Garrett and Ben Owen, Daniel and Mark Bourgeois, Caroline and Joe Thummel; great-grandson, Liam Peters. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Harold Peters.

Richard was a self-avowed “car nut”, who chronicled the dozens of cars he had owned, beginning with his first, a 1931 Chevrolet coupe with a rumble seat. He never met a dog he didn’t like, and he and Kathy raised two litters of AKC-certified Beagles early in their marriage. Richard obviously loved architecture and design, and always cherished having met Frank Lloyd Wright as a student at KU. Speaking of which, he has been a lifelong fan of all things Jayhawk, and of his adopted hometown of Lawrence.

Richard also loved to travel, beginning with trips to both Montana and Florida when he was merely 16 years of age. Alone, with Kathy, later with Carol, and frequently with close friends or extended family members, Richard visited all fifty states, and multiple countries around the world. Most of all, though, Richard loved people. Family, of course, who he cherished dearly. Friends, as well, who he had in amazing abundance. Professional associates, also, who valued his input, as he did theirs. Strangers were just people he hadn’t gotten to know, yet.

Richard’s love of life, of people, and of new experiences, will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the Salvation Army or Family Promise, and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.