Monsignor David L. Peters

Monsignor David L. Peters, 93, of Decatur, IL, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025.

He was born on May 24, 1932, in Decatur to Robert and Margaret (nee Friend) Peters.

Msgr. David Peters was ordained on his birthday, May 24, 1958, in Springfield, IL. He celebrated his 67th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on May 24, 2025.

Msgr. Peters attended St. Thomas Grade School and St. Teresa High School in Decatur, and he is one of six Catholic priests from the St. Teresa High School Class of 1950. He attended the Diocesan Seminary in Springfield for one year after his graduation from St. Teresa. He then attended St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein for his next seven years of study before his ordination.

He served the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois as Assistant at Blessed Sacrament Church in Springfield from 1958-1962; Assistant at St. Patrick Church in Alton from 1962-1966; Assistant Chaplain and Chaplain at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield from 1966-1972; Parochial Administrator at St. Thomas in Newton in 1969 (for two weeks, continuing as Chaplain at St. John’s); Co-Administrator at St. Anthony of Padua in Effingham from 1972-1976; Pastor at St. Michael in Staunton from 1976-1979; Pastor at St. Bernard in Wood River from 1979-1987; Pastor at St. James Church in St. Jacob from 1987-1988; and Pastor at St. Paul in Highland from 1987-2007. He served as Associate Vicar for Retired Priests from 2004-2012; Parochial Administrator at St. Anthony of Padua in Effingham and Annunciation in Shumway in 2011. He served as a Delegate for Senior Priests from 2012-2025. He received a Papal Honor: Chaplain to His Holiness (“Monsignor”) on December 18, 2015. He served as Pastor Emeritus at his beloved St. Paul Parish in Highland from 2016-2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Peters, as well as his siblings; Robert Peters, Daniel (Carolyn) Peters, James (Gretchen) Peters, Lawrence Peters, Terry (Katherine) Peters, John Peters, and Margaret Sue Peters. Predeceased by his sister-in-law, Carol Sue Peters and brother-in-law, Bill Johnson.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Johnson; sisters-in-law, Clara “Soupy” Peters and Judy Peters; many nephews and nieces; and his special friend over many years, Franciscan Sister MaryAnn Falbe.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul in Highland on June 25, 2025, from 4pm-7pm, with a prayer service to begin at 4pm. Visitation will be held in Springfield at the St. Francis of Assisi Church at 9am on June 26, 2025, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10am at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Springfield. Burial will be at Crucifixion Hill Cemetery, Springfield, IL, immediately following the Mass.

Services provided by Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL and Staab Funeral Homes, Springfield, IL in coordination with the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. The family wishes to specifically thank the staff of Imboden Creek Gardens, Traditions Hospice, and independent caregivers for their loving care.

Donations may be made in honor of Msgr. Peters to St. Paul Parish, Highland or St. Teresa High School, Decatur.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL