John A. Peters, Jr., 74, passed away Nov. 5, 2025, at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kan. He was born April 11, 1951, in Phillipsburg, to Johnny Sr. and Donna (Rogers) Peters. John married Jolene Rae Orebaugh Housman on Dec. 17, 2011, in Great Bend.

John contracted polio at 6 months old and was permanently paralyzed in both legs for life. He attended Great Bend schools from 2nd grade through high school and was a Class of 1969 graduate. John attended Barton Community College from 1969 to 1970, the first year it opened and was a charter member of the Hilltop Singers. Afterward, he attended Kansas State University from 1970 to 1975 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education. The first teaching position was at Hays Junior High. He ran for Hays School Board and perpetrated

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