Nolan J. Peters, Retired Army Colonel, died peacefully on Friday, May 11, 2018, at his home. He was born on December 18, 1919 in Scribner, Nebraska to parents Gertrude A. Nolan and Henry J. Peters. A farm boy with tractor mechanic abilities, he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was drafted in March of 1942 in Leavenworth, Kansas and served primarily as a tank mechanic. Bootstrapped to become an officer through Officer Candidate School, his promotions came quickly. He taught ROTC, served in the European theatre until the end of the war in 1946, and was then honorably discharged to the Reserves. After the war, he met his first love, R. JoAnn Cleveland, RN, and they married in 1947. In 1950 he graduated with high distinction and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture from the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta. He was recalled to active duty in October of 1950 in Ft. Riley, Kansas. In March of 1963, he graduated from US Army Intelligence School. Deciding to make a career in the military, he spent a total of 28 years, serving in Italy, France, Germany, Korea and Iran. During that time he learned the Russian and German languages. Recognized for his outstanding service, he was honored with the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, WWII Victory Medal and several overseas service ribbons. He was honorably discharged in April of 1970, serving his last ten years at the Pentagon.
He was a member of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, The Retired Officers Association and the American Legion. He generously donated to many military charitable organizations, to the Salvation Army, to his churches and to others. He enjoyed dancing, watching PGA golf, and was an avid fisherman, enjoying the sport wherever he made his home. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and later a fan of the Boston Red Sox and took great pleasure in bird watching from his Florida home, the sand hill cranes being his favorite.
According to his wife, Theresa, Nolan was a true gentleman, always living his life with honor and respect; a great power of example.
Nolan was preceded in death by his parents, by his wife R. JoAnn, by his second wife Gretchen, and by several siblings. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Theresa M., his two sons Michael N. (Helen) and David P. (Valerie), by five grandchildren, Janna Ajam (Kamal), Matthew Peters (Tania), Summer Peters, Amber Carpenter (Josh) and Clint Peters (Ashley), by eleven great grandchildren: Yasmine, Sami, Malek, Eleanor, Penelope, Laura, Owen, Marlo, Lola, Kale and Winslow: by seven step children, by a brother, Henry Peters, a sister, Caron Peters and many extended family members and friends.
Locally, a mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Viera, Florida on Wednesday, May 23 at 11 AM. Reception to follow at 1242 Brumpton Place, Rockledge. In San Antonio, Texas, visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 30th from 6 to 9 at the Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A mass will be held on Thursday, May 31 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.
At Nolan's request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local American Legion.
