Donald W Peak

Donald W. Peak, 78, passed peacefully to be with our lord on May 28, 2012. He had been in failing health over the past few years and had received palliative care over the past week at IU Methodist Hospital Yellow Rose Unit. Donald was born June 30, 1933 to William S. and Murl A. (Bastin) Peak in Stanford, Kentucky. He was a 1952 graduate of Connersville High School. Donald was joined in marriage with his high school sweet heart and best friend, Saranne Miller on May 10, 1953. In August of 1953, Donald was called to duty for the U.S. Army where he served as a machinist while living in Texas until his honorable discharge and return to Connersville in June 1955. Donald worked as a machinist at Mac Machine before accepting a permanent position with Ready Tool and Die from which he retired in 1997. He was a life time member of the AMVETS. Donald was an avid bowler for many years and during that time also served as secretary for the local American Bowling Congress. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He stayed energetic, enjoyed nature, and spent many years camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. Donald loved spending time with his family who respected his support and guidance. He and his wife spent the winter months in St. Petersburg, Florida. Donald is survived by his wife of 59 years; two children: John W. Peak and his partner, Christopher Gibson of St. Petersburg, FL; Julianne Hyser-Cooper and her husband, Ronald of Connersville; grandchildren: Anthony E. Hyser, Justen R. (Hyser) Luecke and his partner Victoria Snyder, Jessica L. Hyser, Kylianne Cooper; step-grandson: Ryan Cooper; a sister Dorcas Pollitt and her husband Harold of Janesville, Wisconsin; two brothers: Jeffrey Peak, and Gerald Peak and his wife Sabine of Germany; several nieces, nephews, and close friends. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by three brothers: Deryl, Darvin and Doye Peak and a step grandson: Mark Cooper. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2012, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Rev. Dave Galbraith of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday where memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics, First United Methodist Church or to the Class of 1952 Scholarship Fund. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.