John J. Peoples

He was born May 15, 1923 in Pekin, Illinois to John O. and Emma Carrington Peoples. He first married Lois Steinhaus on May 11, 1946 in Pekin. She passed away May 15, 1966 in Peoria, Illinois. He then married Hazel F. Deal in Pekin on January 1, 1969 in Pekin. She passed away November 28, 2006 in Pekin. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two stepsons: Daniel and Arthur Deal; and a sister: Lillian “Tomi” Peoples.

Surviving are two daughters: Patsy (Clifford) Boswell of East Peoria, Illinois and Laurel Sams of Washington, Illinois; one son: Gary (Cheryl) Peoples of Washington, Illinois; one step-son, James (and Debbie) Deal of Texas, 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Geneva Custer of Niles, Illinois.

John served in the United States Marines during World War II. He worked at Caterpillar for 33 year, retiring in 1980. He was a member and past post commander of the VFW Post 1232 in Pekin; and was a member of Local 974.

Funeral services will be Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin, with Rev. Jim Gorby officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial and military honors will take place at Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito.

Memorials may be made to Washington Christian Village.

Online tributes and condolences may be submitted at www.woolseyfuneralhome.com