John “Paul” Peak
Dec. 1, 1923 June 18, 2016 John “Paul” Peak, 92, of Anderson, Mo., died on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at his residence with his loving daughter, Debi, by his side. He was born in Walnut, Kan., Dec. 1, 1923, to Rolland Anthony and Ada Mary Peak.
He served in the Coast Guard during World War II from 1942 to 1945 and the remainder of his military service in the Army Reserves for a total of 34 years. Over the years, he worked for Wilson Meat Packing Company, owned and operated Quality Cleaners in Rogers and Bentonville, Ark., and Prudential Insurance Company. He and Sue became owners and operators of Woodlawn Manor Residential Care Facility when it was built in 1980, and he retired from there in 2004 at the young age of 81. For several years, he was the Santa on the Peak Family Float in the Anderson Winterfest Parade, where they won various ribbons and awards for the float. He was very active in the Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, he served as Eucharistic Minister, usher and helped with maintenance. He led a long, full life and was indeed one of the last, truly great men of his generation who stood tall in our family and the country as a faithful Catholic, a gentleman, a man of morals and a war hero. He had a passion for family, a quick wit, and entertained many with his stories.
He was preceded in death by his first and second wives, Jayne and Sue; one daughter, Terry; four brothers, Loyd, Charles, William and James; and three sisters, Loretta, Patricia and Catherine.
He is survived by eight children, Vicki, Sandi (John Weiland), Patti (Louie Casias Sr.), Brian, Toni, Alan (Michele), Tracy and Debi (Art Showalter); 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary; many in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends who will dearly miss him.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, June 23, 2016, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Home, 100 Spring Street, Anderson, Mo. A Rosary Prayer service, officiated by Father Derek Swanson will be held at 6 p.m. in the Chapel.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2016, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 227 Sulphur Street, Noel, Mo. Father Hank Grodecki will officiate. A meal will be provided in the church hall following the service.
Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Anderson Cemetery, Eppard Street and Highway 59 in Anderson, Mo. Those honoring his life as pallbearers are Kevin Peak, Jason Minton, John Minton, Keith Tisdale, Jeremy Norred, Scot Norred, Louie Casias Jr., Christopher Peak, Connor Peak, Logan Peak and Sakel Peak.
Condolences may be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 476, Anderson, MO 64831. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.ozarkfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson.
Peak