RUSSELL N. PETERS

Russell (Russ) Norman Peters, age 65, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri, after a long battle with cancer. Russ was a resident of Belton for 61 years and graduated from Belton High School in 1977.

He was the youngest of five children born to George Robert (Bob) Peters, Sr. and Thelma (Grace) Peters. In 1963, the family settled on a 40-acre farm south of Belton to raise their children "out in the country." Growing up on the farm, Russ learned the value of hard work and developed a love for animals, especially the stray dogs that would wander onto the property.

Shortly after high school, Russ married the love of his life, Vickie L. Moon, on June 7, 1980. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Brian Russell and Brett Robert. Russ and Vickie first met in the 5th grade at Hillcrest Elementary (now Wilckens STEAM Academy at Hillcrest). Family vacations were a priority, which usually consisted of car road trips every year to explore new destinations.

As a teenager, Russ spent several summers hauling hay and worked after school at Ken's Amoco, servicing cars. After graduation, he worked at Brattin Drywall as a drywall hanger for several years. In the early '80s, he changed careers and went to work at Harmon Tire in Raymore, Missouri, where he drove a truck delivering tires throughout Missouri and Kansas. Many of the customers he delivered to became good friends. In 2015, he retired from Harmon Tire after 35 years of dedicated service. After enjoying a few years of retirement, he rejoined the workforce at Phoenix Renovation and Restoration with a part-time job "just to keep busy," retiring again in 2020. Russ was an avid bowler and bowled on a league for several years.

In the early '80s, he coached youth football teams with his brother, George, for the Cass County Junior Athletic Association. The brothers enjoyed coaching and mentoring the youth even before they each had children of their own. Russ also had a deep passion for motorcycles and classic cars, particularly his 1970 Chevelle. The family spent many weekends at car shows, cruise nights, and other events, creating wonderful memories and life-long friendships. Russ took numerous road trips on his motorcycle, exploring the country off the beaten path. He was a past president and vice president of the Mid America Chevelle Club, and a founding member of the South 71 Cruisers, which hosted the monthly cruise nights on Main Street.

Russ was a faithful member of South Haven Baptist Church in Belton, Missouri. He had a servant's heart and truly enjoyed serving as a "greeter" at the front entrance on Sundays. He was a fun-loving husband, a proud father, and a doting grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George R. Peters, Jr., and his father-in-law, Byron Jenkins. Russ is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Vickie; son Brian Peters (Lauren), Belton, Missouri; son Brett Peters (Lindsey), Commerce City, Colorado; and his three grandchildren, whom he adored: Mason Peters, Madelyn Peters, and Brock Peters. He is also survived by his sisters: Roberta Crider (Stacy), Cartersville, Georgia; Linda G. Peters, Lee's Summit, Missouri; and Rhonda Phillips (Mike), Lee's Summit, Missouri; as well as his sisters-in-law, Linda K. Peters, Lee's Summit, Missouri; Sherry Jenkins, Las Vegas, Nevada; Terry Barnett (Gary), Phelan, California; and brother-in-law Bill Jenkins (Fran), Henderson, Nevada. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mary (Lou) Jenkins, Belton, Missouri, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, followed by a Dessert Reception and Memory Sharing Time from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at South Haven Baptist Church, 16800 Bel-Ray Blvd., Belton, Missouri. Guests are encouraged to drive their motorcycle or classic car.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Russ's memory to the Mid-America Chevelle Club, 12318 W. 61st Street, Shawnee, Kansas, 66216, or to the Belton Educational Foundation, 110 W. Walnut, Belton, Missouri, 64012.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc., Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278