DAHLGREN – Lavern Peters, 88, of Dahlgren, died peacefully at home Jan. 31, 2026.

He was born Oct. 22, 1937, in Mill Shoals Township in White County to Simon and Emma (Hucker) Peters. He married Judy (Murphy) Peters on Nov. 5, 1961, and she survives.

Peters began his career with FS Wayne-White before serving in the U.S. Army. After returning from the military, he continued working for FS in Springerton and later retired as plant manager for FS Wabash Valley Service Company in McLeansboro. In addition to his career with FS, he was a full-time farmer. He was a member and elder of First Christian Church in McLeansboro.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pinochle, riding his ATV and motorcycle, and camping and fishing at Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Peters of Dahlgren; a son, Brad Peters Sr. (Kim) of Dahlgren; a daughter, Cheryl Swafford (Tony) of Danville; 10 grandchildren: Lindsay Arndt (Kyle), Bradley Peters Jr., Mitchell Swafford, Haeley Peters, Brandon Peters, Colton Hagen (Hannah), MacKinsey Gullen (James), Parker Simonton (Dylan), Payton Ostrowski (Daniel) and Macey Diehl; 16 great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Leo, MaKenna, Olivia, Clara, Waylon, Elaina, Nolan, Cooper, Laken, Granger, Ledger, Landrie, Emersyn, Kason and Koehn; a brother, James L. Peters (Sharon) of Smithland, Ky.; a sister-in-law, Pat Page of Dahlgren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Valeda Gebauer (Gene); a brother, Charles Peters (Judy); his parents-in-law, Ray and Leah Murphy; and brothers-in-law, Gordon Page and Ray Murphy (Bonnie).

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren, with Pastor Denise Burke officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Cemetery in Dahlgren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church in McLeansboro or Hamilton County FFA and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared at gholsonfuneralhome.com.