Peters, Simon David (1952-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Oct 21 p. 3

Birth date: 1952 Jul 1

text of obituary:

College Sophomore Killed in Accident

Fresno, Calif. — A Pacific College sophomore, Simon Peters of Wasco, Calif., died almost instantly Oct. 14 when the car he was driving went out of control east of Fresno, throwing him from the vehicle.

Two other Pacific students in the car with him suffered minor abrasions as a result of the mishap. They were Dan Wiebe of Fresno, son of Dr. and Mrs. Elias Wiebe of the Pacific faculty, and Tim Janz, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Janz of Steinbach, Manitoba. Both are sophomores.

Peters was a graduate of Wasco Union High School and a member of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Peters of Wasco. His father served as chairman of the Board of Education of U. S. Mennonite Brethren Churches for nearly 17 years — from 1954 until this past spring — during which time Pacific College achieved its most spectacular growth.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Dec 2 p. 10

text of obituary:

SIMON DAVID PETERS

Simon David Peters, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Peters, was born on July 1, 1952, in the Shafter-Wasco community of California. He was a healthy, vigorous child, given to us as a special blessing. We named him Simon, meaning obedient, and David, our well beloved. He did not fail us in living up to this name. He attended Maple School and was graduated from Wasco High School, after which he enrolled at Pacific College.

At the age of eight, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Of this event and a later consecration he left a written record stating, "I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of eight years. I asked my mother to help me. We knelt at the side of the bed and I accepted Jesus as my Saviour. At the age of 13 I felt the need of a reconsecration to my Lord and this I did." After his reconsecration to the Lord, he was baptized upon his public confession of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He united with the Mennonite Brethren Church for fellowship.

Simon was active in Boy Scout work. In 1966 he was awarded the God and Country badge and in 1968 he attained the status of Eagle Scout. In the church he was active in the youth program and a regular attendant in Sunday school and worship services.

A few weeks ago he left in high spirits and with great anticipation of attending Pacific College. He enrolled in the school and enjoyed the work very much. However, the Lord in His wisdom saw fit to permit this activity to come to an abrupt halt. Thursday afternoon, Oct. 14, he was called away suddenly through an auto accident. This event shattered many of our hopes and our plans, and yet we want to have the grace to say, "Thy will be done." He reached the age of 19 years, three months, and 13 days.

Those who remain to mourn his early departure are: his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Peters; two brothers, Edward and wife Barbara and Douglas and wife Donna; his aged grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. George Willems; four nieces, uncles and aunts, cousins, and many other relatives.

We do not understand at this point, but we rest in the assurance that he is with the Lord and we shall meet him again. — The Family.