James Peteete, age 96, of Hays, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016 in Hays. He was born October 20, 1920 in Singleton, Texas to John Henry and Ollie (Blount) Peteete. He married Clarice Elaine Kelly on October 19, 1946 in Topeka, Kansas.

He was a veteran of the Army Air Corp where he attained the rank of Tech SGT. During his distinguished military career he was stationed in England. He was with the 8th Air Force 458th Heavy Bomb Group. During his service he was part of the first daylight bombing run over Berlin. His plane was shot down over Holland on March 6, 1944 and he was a POW for fifteen months. He received a Purple Heart and the Golden Caterpillar for his service.

James was a retired Iron worker and welder. He helped to build Silo Bases throughout Kansas and also worked on Gross Memorial Coliseum. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hays and the Hays VFW Post 9076. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting deer and raccoons, and woodworking building tables, chairs and rebuilding antique furniture. He also ran the Hays Farmers Market for over thirty years.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Clarice of Hays; five sons, James Kelly Peteete of Mankato, KS, Terry Lynn Peteete (Rama) of Kansas City, MO, John Michael Peteete (Connie) of Independence, MO, Matthew Wayne Peteete of Moundridge, KS, Sean Timothy Peteete of Hays; two daughters, Linda Elaine Maxey of Kansas City, MO and Rebecca Sue Herrman (Curt) of Manhattan, KS, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Patrick Leroy Peteete and a sister, Evelyn.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Friday, December 2, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Hays. Burial will be in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday 4 PM – 8 PM at Brock’s- Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].