Thess A. Peters,  91, of Manteca,  passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009.  He was born on June 10, 1918 in Brookins, Oklahoma, and lived in Manteca for 50 years.  He was a welder in the fertilizer industry, working for the local Best Fertilizer and Occidental Chemical for 29 years.

Mr. Peters was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Rena Peters; sister Juanita; brothers Eddie, Floyd, and Bob; step-daughter Janiece Jackson and step-son Kenneth Jackson.

He is survived by his wife of 49 ½ years, Opal Peters, of Manteca; son Ray Peters (Nancy) of Manteca; daughter Connie Ward of Auburn; step-son Gerald Jackson (Janice) of Auburn; daughter-in-law Marlene Jackson of Hughson; brothers Raymond and James; sisters Lahoma, UllaMae, Ethyl, and Joann; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m. at Merrill Gardens, 430 N. Union Road, Manteca.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children or to the American Cancer Society.  Arrangements are being handled by Park View Funeral Home, 3661 E. French Camp Road, Manteca.