Kenneth Peters, Jr.

Kenneth Peters Jr., “Ken”, 61, entered eternal life on August 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. This obituary shares the life and beliefs of a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We honor a man who was a pillar of his community and a strong foundation for his family.

Ken was born in Bakersfield, California, on November 30, 1959 to Kenneth and Dorothy Peters. He graduated from Garces Memorial High School in 1978. After a life-changing encounter in September of 1981, he devoted his life to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On June 6, 1987, he married Tonja, the love of his life, and along with their respective children, Sarah and Ryan, they began a family. Within a few short years, they welcomed their daughters Candice and Rachel as well. Often over the years, he included his wife and children in ministry, and they traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America together. In 2007, Ken and Tonja began a church, The Gathering @ Corona, which soon expanded to The Gathering Network of Churches. He desired to see a greater level of relationship between churches and constantly made himself available to pastors and leaders across the globe for prayer, wisdom, and direction. On his final day, he was surrounded by his family, who he adored more than anything in this world.

Left to cherish his memory are his father, Kenneth Sr.; his wife, Tonja; his daughter Sarah and son-in-law Josh, his son Ryan, his daughter Candice, and his daughter Rachel and son-in-law Ryan; his grandchildren, Tristan, Kirk, Toni, Nathan, Maverick, Abigail, and Gracelyn; and his siblings Eric, Keith, Lisa, and Stephanie. He is reunited in Heaven with his sister Michelle and his mother Dorothy.

Ken lived a simple life that transformed thousands of lives around the world, yet his greatest passion was knowing and obeying God and loving his family. His faith in Jesus Christ was the primary cornerstone of his life and it inspired many to live surrendered to the will of God, just as he did. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife.  He was an amazing father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them. He held his grandchildren close to his heart and loved being “Papa” more than any other title he carried. He was a caring and selfless friend to many near and far. He believed in living completely in truth, no matter the consequences. Whether he was before leaders of nations or in the living room of dear friends, he was generous with his voice, his wallet, and his life. He left an impression on all he met.

Though we are saddened at his departure, we are grateful that this is not the end of his life. He ran with great endurance and finished his race here on earth well. We have this Hope that we will see him once again and together we will rejoice in the presence of our Savior.

The celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach, California at 2:30 PM and is open to all who wish to honor him.