Donald O. Peters

Donald Orville Peters passed away on June 22, 2025.

He packed up his golf clubs, cleaned his hunting rifles, stowed his fishing gear, and is off to search out the Hot Wheels stashed beyond those Pearly Gates. In his 88 years he left an indelible handprint on the hearts of hundreds of people through his love of sports, his community service, and his dedicated parenting.

Born December 7,1936 to Orville and Marjorie Jones Peters. Don grew up in the Irvington neighborhood of Indianapolis as the oldest of 4 children. He is survived by his brother David (Dorothy) Peters, sister Susan Jones, and brother Douglas Peters. He was married to Judy Cook, sharing with her 4 sons Mark (Lyndia) Peters, Scott (Rose) Peters, Jeff (Lisa) Peters, and Brian (Leah) Peters. In 1987 he married Paula Pearcy and became the active father to her three young children Cory (Amanda) Slater, Polly (Jason) Slater, and Sarah (Jason) Cauldwell. Additionally, he was grandfather of 14 children, 29 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter.

Don’s professional life was all about the car industry. He worked for Bob Baker Chevrolet, then bought into co-ownership of Blossom Chevrolet. Eventually, he sold his shares and took over as Office Manager for several Tom Wood Automotive Group dealerships where he worked for 20 years. His life was not all work, though. A proud member of his Carmel community, Don also volunteered as a reserve police officer for the Carmel Police Department for 15 years.

Like his own father did for him, Don encouraged his sons to embrace the outdoors and keep up an active lifestyle. They hunted, fished, and played golf as a family. All the boys were brought up in Little League Baseball. Don coached for Warren Township Little League while his sons grew up under the direction of Coach Dad. Don shared his love of sports by hosting weekly outings to Victory Field. His kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends all remember sharing nachos and a Pepsi while cheering on the Indianapolis Indians! Naturally, the Colts and Pacers had no bigger fan than Don and his family! Don Peters wasn’t just a father – he was a dad, daddy, pal, confidante, and play mate.

Perhaps one of his more subtle memorable moments came in 1995 when he was slowing down and looking for a new, easier hobby. Thirty years later, he’d amassed a collection of around 100,000 Hot Wheel cars, trucks, trains, and whatever else they had. He kept most in their original packages and displayed them throughout his basement and office. He collected sets, “Hot Wheel Treasure Hunts”, Red Lines.  Traveling or shopping with Don meant you stopped at the Hot Wheel display! If you had kids, you could be sure they would take home a Hot Wheel toy after visiting Mr. Don!

Don enjoyed his afternoons sitting quietly in the drive watching the kids play and waving to neighbors. People often stopped by for a quick chat, a cold drink, a dog treat for fur babies, and most likely a Hot Wheel car for the kids. He was that neighbor – a kind and generous soul. He was the one everyone loved. The world was a better place for having him in it.

There will be a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Any who may want to attend can contact the family directly.