David Peters

David Richard Peters, age 77, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away August 14, 2021 in Auburn Hills, MI due to complications from multiple strokes. His character, strength, and charm never waned even as his physical and mental functions continued to decline. David was born June 14, 1944 to Martin Avery Peters, Ret Lt Colonel and Mary Frances Field Peters in San Antonio, Texas. He was the middle child of five children alongside brother Jim and sisters Marilyn, Carol, and Susan. He graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1962 and enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 20, 1964. David bravely fought as an active combat bazooka launcher for two tours in the Vietnam War before being offered an officer position in March 1967. He chose to instead return to civilian life and was honorably discharged from the Marines at that time. David re-located to California where he found success working in the entertainment industry. He was a popular radio DJ in San Diego in the early 1970s and also sang and performed professionally in clubs and concert halls. Dave sang standards and was often told how much his voice and presence was reminiscent of Frank Sinatra. He was fortunate to meet and perform with many professional and successful musicians during his time in radio and singing. David met the love of his life Dianne Kay Wesseling in 1976 and they married in 1977. She proceeded him in death on April 15, 2003. David went to Davenport College in the early 90s and graduated with a degree in Marketing with highest honors. He spent the majority of his career in sales and advertising until war-related illnesses caused his full disability in 2005. David was a passionate lover of nature and a talented artist. He was highly skilled in oil painting and drawing with pencil and pastels. His specialties were landscape paintings, as well as murals that he created in many buildings within the communities in which he lived. He was a life-long, die-hard fan of the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and adored football Sundays with family and friends. He was a member of VFW #3030 in Otsego, MI and called many there his friends and comrades. Dave also enjoyed movies, travelling, road-trips, photography, and flight simulation. He was a fluent speaker of both Spanish and German. He was truly multi-talented and just incredibly funny. He was an eloquent writer and a wholly creative soul. Music always remained his constant companion, and he continued performing at weddings and charity events until a few years before his health began to decline. David is survived by his daughter Kelly Busha, son-in-law Jason Busha, and their children Aubree Kay and Benjamin Lee, all of Lake Orion, MI. He is also survived by two additional grandchildren, Mekyah Peters and Kayden Peters, special friend Yvonne Anderson of Otsego, MI and his ‘honorary’ daughters Erinn Agne, Bambi Lutz, and Hailey Webber. Due to his cognitive decline, the family apologizes for any friends not listed, but hopes they find comfort in the memories of a man with true charisma and an incredible sense of humor. He wanted to be remembered as people knew him and did not wish to have visitors after his strokes. He loved and fought until the end; his strength and laughter could not be dulled by his illness. The sound of his incredible voice and infectious laugh will stay with us always. As was Dave’s life-long wish, cremation has taken place. His ashes will be spread next spring during a family trip to California to honor his wishes. He did not wish to have a formal funeral. Special thanks to the staff at Randall Residence of Auburn Hills for loving Dave and enriching his life. The family also extends thanks to the Cremation Society of Michigan and the Palliative Care team at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. Anyone wanting to kindly send memorial contributions may contact the family privately at thebushas@gmail.com. Any funds will aide in the return of David’s ashes to be spread in his beloved California. But most importantly, please continue to thank the veterans in your communities; not just for their service, but for their sacrifices. Please share a memory of David on his tribute wall.