John A. Peters, Jr., 74, passed away Nov. 5, 2025, at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kan. He was born April 11, 1951, in Phillipsburg, to Johnny Sr. and Donna (Rogers) Peters. John married Jolene Rae Orebaugh Housman on Dec. 17, 2011, in Great Bend.

John contracted polio at 6 months old and was permanently paralyzed in both legs for life. He attended Great Bend schools from 2nd grade through high school and was a Class of 1969 graduate. John attended Barton Community College from 1969 to 1970, the first year it opened and was a charter member of the Hilltop Singers. Afterward, he attended Kansas State University from 1970 to 1975 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education. The first teaching position was at Hays Junior High. He ran for Hays School Board and perpetrated the bond issue project for a new Hays high school in 1978. He was a talented vocalist and was honored to perform “Requiem” by John Rutter at Carnegie Hall on March 19, 2000, with the Florida Symphony.

After teaching music, John worked in high technology sales, computers, software development, and was an independent insurance and investments broker. During his lifetime, he served as Minister of Music in churches in Kansas and Florida. He was the First Southern Baptist missionary (BSU) for the Fort Hays State University campus, also working with Campus Crusade and Navigators. He spread the word of God as a bible teacher at churches for college students, singles, and adults throughout his lifetime. John found the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at First Southern Baptist Church of Great Bend, while attending grade school and pursued personal evangelism and bible teaching, leading many to saving faith. He proudly served, for a time, as choir director and bringing the choir together for the Easter cantata. John tuned pianos around the area in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. He was a master mechanic and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t put back together and make work, including lawn mowers, finding enjoyment in mowing yards.

Survivors include his beloved wife; stepsons, Duayne Housman and his wife Lori of Brashear, Mo., Casey Housman and his wife Sabrena of St. Joseph, Mo.; sisters, Marla Dale (David) of Lexington, Kent., Lynn Cherry (Greg) of Edmond, Okla., Janet Schmidt (Mike) of Portland, Ore., Susan Davis of Wichita, Gloria Turner of Texas; grandchildren, Hayden Housman (Katie), Skylar Schumann (Matthew), Garrett Housman, Avery Housman, Hudson Housman; great grandchild, Cam Schumann; and aunt, Carol Kruetzer of Nebraska; and several nieces and nephews, including nephew, Chris Dale. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Mark Davis. 

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday Nov. 14, 2025, at First Southern Baptist Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Tim Singleton presiding. Memorials have been designated to the John A. Peters Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 11, 2025