Clayton John Peters

He was born to the late Angus and Dorothy (Smith) Peters on April 3, 1940, in Royal Oak, MI.

Clayton was a 1958 graduate of Royal Oak’s Dondero High School. He met and married his high school sweetheart Barbara Purtell. They were married on September 10, 1960. Together they raised two children and were later blessed with two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard in January 1963. His basic training was at Fort Polk, Louisiana. In August 1963, he joined the Royal Oak Police Department. During his 28-year career he received numerous commendations and awards, however his biggest contribution was being a mentor to younger officers. He retired in 1993.

His experiences as a police officer made him a good listener and someone to seek advice from. There were always people visiting or calling to seek his counseling and advice. His honesty and integrity are second to no one.

He and Barbara traveled and explored the Lake Huron shoreline in search of an area to retire to. They finally settled on the North Bay of Presque Isle.

After filling several trash cans with his own house designs, they finally built a house he designed in 1994. He lived there for 31 years. Visiting them and the house were so popular that it often required a reservation calendar.

Throughout his lifetime he was involved in many organizations and committees. One of his biggest accomplishments was holding various offices in the Fraternal Order of Police. These included both offices at the local and state lodge levels, eventually becoming the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police State President. Many lifelong friends were made during this time. He dedicated many hours of labor and an item or two for the displays. He coached baseball and was involved in the Royal Oak Hockey Association for almost 20 years both as a parent and hockey coach. Many times, he sacrificed his lunch hour standing at the glass watching his son play. Because of his experiences as a police officer, there were times he was more than a coach because he had a way of connecting with kids. He made his impact on the Presque Isle community by volunteering in many organizations and committees. Another passion was the Restoration Committee for the New Presque Isle Lighthouse, one of the biggest reasons they chose to make this their home. He loved and took great pride in his work at the lighthouse. A common answer to the question, “Where’s Dad?” was “He’s at the lighthouse.” He was involved in many Presque Isle Harbor Association committees, including the Men’s Club, PIHA Board, Maintenance Committee, Trail Committee, even for a time checking on seasonal homes during the winter.

In 2004, he was chosen as Presque Isle Township Citizen of the Year. He was highly active in the Grand Lake Community Chapel, his involvement with the chapel was most special to him and was a big part of his life.

He was married to Barbara for 47 years. The last few as a caregiver to her. The devotion, commitment and sacrifice were a true measure of his love for her.

In 2013, he married Karen Neu and began a new chapter. It was filled with travel, fun, love and a new extended family. A family that he took to naturally, thought of as his own and they did the same. He and Karen enjoyed traveling to watch many of the activities the grandchildren were involved in. One of their trips was taking the train across the United States to Seattle to go on an Alaskan cruise. They enjoyed the cruise! Towards the end it was Karen who was his devoted caregiver.

His biggest contribution is the impact he had on so many lives, he even changed a few, he made a difference. He was truly one of the good guys.

Surviving are his wife Karen; 2 children, Brad (Melinda) Peters, Wendy (Mark) Greer; 2 grandchildren, Mitchell (Matti Pieper) Knoth, Jennifer (Shawn) Petersen; 2 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jamison; Karen’s children and families, Craig (Melissa) Neu, Bryan (Gayle) Neu, Tracey (Mike) Urlaub; 6 grandchildren, Ella, Ethan, Parker, Madison, Adam, and Allie; 2 siblings, Barbara M. Peters, Wayne (Theresa) Peters; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Peters was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Gillespie.

Memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Grand Lake Chapel from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 p.m. with the Revs. Gary and Karen Zurakowski officiating. Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Inurnment: Presque Isle Township Cemetery

Memorials: Grand Lake Chapel or Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome