Kenneth Earl Peters

Kenneth E. Peters born June 30, 1945, often joked that he went forward with his life not knowing what he wanted to be when he grew up. Technically, he was a CPA—the finest of tax men. But he specialized in other things. He appreciated a good steak, good whiskey, and high quality dinner conversation. He was a morning person, and enjoyed a front porch rocker, a cup of coffee, and the company of turkey or deer in the mist. He was a good friend in all seasons, from college revels through middle age crises to having to say some goodbyes. He had an eye for vivid fall leaves, for the flash of a songbird at the feeder, and for the ripest of blackberries. He was a man of faith whose heart was lifted by classic hymns and the sound of a skilled cantor in a Lutheran service. He rooted for the Crimson Tide. He was a master of the grill and made a mean batch of homemade mashed potatoes. He laughed with a chuckle that shook his whole body. He viewed people through kind eyes and a compassionate heart. He disliked lying politicians, drivers “waiting on an engraved invitation” to merge, and knowing anyone was hurting. He was a weather watcher, retaining a schoolboy’s excitement about predictions of snow. He built and tended a good fire. By sharing these qualities with those around him, he was our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother in law, uncle, and friend.

Ken passed away on February 26, 2022, at the age of 76 from complications of a stroke. He was a graduate of Shades Valley High School and Samford University. Ken was predeceased by his parents Meredith and Olga Peters and his brother Sydney. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kay, his two daughters Julie (Gardner) Lee and Leigh Ann (Mark) Berte, his five grandchildren Catherine, Gardner, and Anna Lee; Julianne and Linden Berte, his sister in law, Claire (Mel) Allen, his nephews and niece: Russ (Angie) Allen, Melissa (Dan) Mutert, and Nathan Allen, and nine great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in his honor will be held Saturday, March 5 at 1:00 p.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Chapel (350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, AL 35213) with visitation immediately preceding the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Children’s Hospital of Alabama (www.childrensal.org/foundation; Children’s of Alabama Foundation, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35223) or to the Alabama Chapter of the ALS Association (www.donate.al.als.org; ALS Association Alabama Chapter, 300 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 209, Birmingham, AL 35242), in memory of Ken’s dear friend John Coleman.