Gary Dale Peters gained his angel wings on March 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of quiet courage, kindness, positivity and steadfast strength. Greg said: "I often tell my children - and I told Dad many times - that he was the strongest and most positive person I've ever known. Dad was an amputee and lived in a home in Ogallala, NE, yet through every challenge he faced, he never lost his smile. He never carried a negative outlook toward anything or anyone, no matter what life put in front of him. His patience, grace, and quiet strength made him more than a father; he was someone I will always aspire to be like. It has been one of the greatest blessings and honors of my life to call him Dad. His legacy, his resilience, and his light will live on forever."
Gary was born on April 16, 1947, in McCook, NE, sharing his childhood with his sister, Cheryl, and brother, Don, amid a large extended family. Their early years overflowed with recreation and laughter at family gatherings with cousins. In 1950, the family, with loving guidance by parents, Dale and June Peters, settled into their new hometown of North Platte, NE. The many cherished memories of carefree fun with neighborhood friends flourished, and then the birth in 1966 of youngest brother, Mark, completed the family.
Early on, Gary found joy in scouting, studies, astronomy, and especially song - his clarinet carrying the spirited sounds of Swing and shaping a lifelong love of music. At North Platte High School, Gary's musical mastery earned him first chair honors and exceptional consecutive years of All-State and Honor Band recognition, graduating in 1965. He was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, performing in marching and symphonic bands, graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1970, before beginning a lifelong goal to become a band director. Gary taught in the Nebraska cities of Clarks, Franklin, and Minden, where he mentored students with patience, to hone and encourage their own musical talents.
Gary later stepped away from teaching for a time to join the Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte in 1974, the same year he and his then wife, Kay (Bower) Peters, welcomed their son, Gregory. Holding his newborn son and smiling with pride, Gary's purpose in life was reflected in every milestone of his son and a focus on building a life for his family. Determined to educate students of music once again, Gary, wife Kay, and son Greg, moved to Franklin where then his son, Jeffrey, was born - and later moving to Minden. When Jeffrey was born, they joy of a second son showed Gary that love didn't divide - it multiplied. Watching his two boys together, Gary marveled at their bond: Greg's gentle protectiveness and Jeff's caring, curious spirit - and how both faced life's challenges with resilience. Gary and family moved back to North Platte in 1980 to recommence his career on the Union Pacific Railroad - encompassing and retiring after 26 years. Known for his friendly face and familiar presence, he built lasting relationships and retired with respect from colleagues and community alike.
Gary's hobbies reflected curiosity and creativity - from Ham Radio conversation across continents as WBOJDS, to meticulous skill in calligraphy and imaginative role-playing games. He formed lasting friendships and welcomed his sons, Greg and Jeff, his brother, Mark, and their friends into shared stories and adventures. He continued to enjoy music, playing in the North Platte Municipal Band for many years. Yet photography became his greatest passion. With a keen eye for light, expression, and life, he captured portraits, the plains, peaks, and the panoramic Southwest - preserving special moments of striking images in time.
Gary's greatest joy was being a devoted father to his sons, Greg and Jeff. He encouraged their education, cheered them on in sports, and shared simple, special moments - especially peaceful days spent fishing. Through scouting, he served as a pack leader and loving guide, walking with his boys in their achievements and instilling values of strength, service, and self-reliance that would stay with them for life. He later found love and partnership with his wife, Susan, with whom he built both a life and a creative community through the Western Nebraska Models and Photography Group - a family formed through shared passion.
Gary is lovingly remembered by his wife, Susan (Votaw) Bassett Peters; son, Greg (Tara) Peters of Omaha; grandsons Nathan Cochran and Brody Peters, and great-grandson Tyler Cochran, all of Omaha; sister, Cheryl (Pat) Doyle of Rio Rancho, NM; brothers, Don (Sandy) Peters of North Platte and Mark (Susan) Peters of Lincoln; step-son, Jacob Bassett (Stacy); grandchildren Amelia, Gage, Jaxson, Isobel, and Alexander, all of Gothenburg, NE; and step-son, Rick Bassett (Lindi), grandchildren Lukas and Charley all of Cheyenne, WY; step-daughters, Shaina Bassett of Sutherland, and Caitie Bassett of Ogallala; nieces, Dawn (Kerry) Havlat, son Joey and daughter Jordan (Troy) all of Lincoln, Staci Abegg of North Platte; Ashleigh Peters and daughter Arianna of Lincoln, Marissa Peters of Omaha, nephews Corbin Peters (Tierra) and daughter Atlas of Phoenix, AZ and Zane Peters of Atlanta, GA.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Dale and June Peters, beloved son Jeffrey Peters and nephew Zach Peters.
His wide circle of friends, and fellow photographers—including Steve Towery, Mike Burg, and Paul Nuber, watched Gary face life as an amputee with unwavering optimism. Gary found care, and connection through compassionate caregivers and healthcare professionals, as well as meaningful friendships formed within his retirement community at the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala, NE —relationships that brought him strength, support, and sincere companionship. Gary found his life’s purpose in being a faithful husband to wife, Susan, and his proudest work of all—being the father of Greg and Jeff.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 12 - 7 pm CST at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte, NE. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:30 pm CST at First United Methodist Church in North Platte. Memorials for Gary may be designated to a charity of the family’s choice. Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte, NE has been entrusted with the arrangements, and online condolences maybe shared at carpentermemorial.com.