On July 14, 2026, Dr. John Peterson, widely known throughout the Muncie community and beyond as "Doc", passed away. In addition to his many accomplishments as a physician, member of the Delaware County Board of Health, musician, author, founder of Muncie's Creative Opportunity Center, and the namesake of Doc's Music Hall, Doc served on the board of the Full Circle Arts Co-op with Phil Vore and Vore Arts Fund president Graham Watson for many years, helping promote a shared philosophy that support for the arts lifts a community and all of its residents up. Fittingly, the Muncie Arts and Culture Council awarded Doc with a Lifetime Achievement Award at last year's Mayor's Arts Awards. We will all miss Doc dearly, but it is a comfort to know that his will lives on through those he supported and inspired through his lifetime of service to the arts and to the health of his community.

Ball State Daily News - Muncie remembers “Doc” Peterson for a lifetime of healing and music

Star Press - Physician, musician, local health official 'Doc' Peterson dies