Herbert F. Peters

June 28, 1913 - August 5, 2013

Herbert F. “Herb” Peters, 100, of Punta Gorda Isles, Fla., went to heaven Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. Herb was born in Duren, Germany, June 28, 1913, and lived in Berlin, Germany during World War I, and thereafter in Boppard and St. Goar, Germany, where his mother owned/operated a hotel, across from the famous Lorelei. He attended private high schools in Germany, studying Latin and French. In 1929 he immigrated to the US through Ellis Island, NY, and settled in Dayton, Ohio. Herb was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942, and, after completion of OCS training, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to Military Intelligence due to his extensive language skills in German, French and English. In 1944, Herb shipped out for England, where he worked on censoring military intelligence while stationed in Glenfield and London. After landing on Utah Beach, his unit was transferred to Paris HQ Military Intelligence. While on a mission in Epernay, Herb suffered severe frost-bite causing permanent injuries. Herb returned to the States in 1946 on reserve status. During the Korean War, Herb returned to active duty in Bremerhaven, Germany as Team Chief, gathering intelligence along the eastern German border. In 1953, he was offered a promotion to Major and recommended to enter the OSS language school in Monterey, Calif., but elected to return to civilian life. Captain Herbert F. Peters was a decorated veteran, having earned multiple awards and honors for his many years of military service. After his military service, Herb returned to his career as a manager for Gershows Supermarkets in Dayton, Ohio. In the late 1950s, Herb left Gershows to own service stations, eventually operating several in the Dayton area, and also served as an officer of SOGDA (the Southwestern Ohio Gasoline Dealers Assn). In addition, Herb operated a real estate business of buying/building apartments and houses in Dayton, Beavercreek, Xenia and Lake Shawnee, Ohio. Herb lived in Beavercreek, OH from 1958-1979. Herb retired to Punta Gorda Isles in 1979, and for many years was active with the Isles Civic Association as the travel/entertainment director, responsible for planning numerous trips to many local and foreign destinations. Herb was an active member of the Punta Gorda Isles Yacht Club, where he enjoyed living and laughing with friends and dancing with Betty. Herb was also a member of various organizations, including the Disabled Veterans Organization, the Retired Officers Association, the CIC Army Counter Intelligence Corps Veterans, the Antioch Shrine (Dayton), the Dayton Masonic Lodge #147, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (Valley of Dayton). Herb is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth “Betty”; his son, Timothy (Mary) Murray of Brandon, Fla.; son, Paul (Geri) Peters of Dayton; son, Mark (Loretta) Peters of Darien, Conn; and grandchildren, Kathy, Erin, Morgan, Jensen and Grayson. A memorial service will be held at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda on Saturday, August 17th at 10:00 AM. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched…