George Ralph Peak

December 13, 1930 - May 21, 2019

George Ralph Peak, of Winchester, went home to live with his Lord Jesus Christ on May 21, 2019 at the age of 88. He was born on December 13, 1930, the son of J. Ralph and Audrey (Reavis) Peak. He was married for 67 blessed years to his wife, Jean, and she survives. Together they have seven children: Phil Peak (late wife, Ellie) of Winchester, Paul Peak (wife, Janette) of Springfield, Pat Peak (wife, Laurie) of Winchester,Penny Kaufmann (husband, Chad) of Springfield, Perry Peak (wife, Ellen) of Winchester, Peter Peak (wife, Paula) of Jacksonville, and Pamma Kaufmann (husband, Kevin) of Jacksonville. George’s large family, his source of pride and joy, also includes 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Nora Jean “Chickie” Peak, a brother, Sam Peak, and a daughter-in-law, Ellie Peak. George grew up in Winchester and graduated from Winchester High School in 1948. He served in the army for two years while being stationed in Germany, missing the birth of his firstborn son. George, along with Jean, whom he lovingly referred to as his helpmate, worked side-by-side as farmers and teachers of the gospel before retiring as master antique woodworkers. Many family members enjoy furniture pieces in their homes that George either made himself or restored. In more recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Countless hours were spent driving out to the family farm to take his grandchildren to feed and walk their 4-H pigs. Also, he enjoyed their sporting events, often verbalizing his “expert” opinion while at the kitchen table. Every summer, he looked forward to his grandchildren’s daily arrival to his backyard family pool. No sooner had the jump competitions commenced, when George requested that Jean bring sticky popcorn for all involved, including himself. He was fittingly referred to by his great-grandchildren as Papa Cookie, a beloved name he earned by sharing his stash of sweet treats with them during every visit. The great-grandchildren knew he had a soft spot for them. He would have them sit on his lap, give him hugs, and entertain him with their wild play. Lives were shaped by his faith and devotion to the Lord, his love of family, and his sincere enjoyment of watching kids be kids. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 24 at Daws Funeral Home, with interment at the Winchester City Cemetery. Visitation will be held beginning at 9:00 am until the time of services at 11:00 am. Memorials are suggested to The Winchester Depot in honor of Audrey Peak, his beloved mother, or to the Winchester Grade School in honor of Kylar Coon, his great-granddaughter, commonly referred to as his “little sweetie”. The Daws Family Funeral Home in Winchester is in charge of the arrangements.