Sterling Randolph Peters

S.R. Peters, a retired United States Marine Corps captain, died on Saturday, Jan 24, 2015, at home in Temecula, Calif with his family by his side. He was 82.

Pete was born on Aug. 26, 1932 to Carl Peters and Mittie Ann Vickers in Paris, Texas.

He married his wife, Natalie Stouky in 1955, in Yuma, Ariz. Together they lived in four different states and over a dozen cities after more than 59 years of marriage.

In 1947, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was 15 years old at the time. Pete served 23 years as an aviation ordnance man. During the Korean War, he took part in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir. In 1967, during the Vietnam War, Pete was commissioned as an officer. After returning from the Vietnam War, he retired in 1970.

After he retired from the Marine Corps in 1970, Pete and his family moved to Escondido, Calif. There, he worked for Escondido Disposal, Inc. He once again retired in 1990 and moved to Magalia, Calif.

Active for most of his life, Pete did not slow down when he moved north. He volunteered with the Butte County STARS - the Sherriff's Team of Active Retired Senior - for 18 years.

He and his wife returned to Temecula, Calif. In 2012

Wherever he went, Pete was known by everyone. He would always greet people with a smile, and speak to anyone who wanted to listen. Throughout the various communities in which he lived, Pete was loved and will be greatly missed.

Pete was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Beryl, and Carlys Earl.

He is survived by his wife, Natalie, their three children; David Peters (Danette), Cynthia Peters-Newlon (Mike), and Steven Peters, his sisters Patricia Ann and Carlene Barridge and his brother Billy Frank. He leaves 5 grandchildren: Ryan Peters (Tara), Colleen Peters, Doug Peters, Emily Peters, and Savannah Peters. He also leaves behind 2 great-grandchildren: Ethan Peters and Luke Peters.

Memorial services will be held at 2pm on Friday, Feb. 20 at Temecula United Methodist Church 42690 Margarita Rd. Temecula, California

In Lieu of flowers the family asks to please donate to California State University of San Marcos, Veteran's Center in memory of Capt. Sterling Randolph "Pete" Peters.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory- Murrieta, 26855-A Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta, California.