John Peel

SIKESTON, Mo. -- John Glendel Peel of Sikeston passed away peacefully with his two sons at his side Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Aug. 13, 1933, to Lester and Faye Harrison Peel in Hornersville, Missouri, and raised in the Vanduser/Morley, Missouri, area, where his family moved while he was still an infant.

John married Linda Mayfield in Morley on July 26, 1958. From this union he had two sons: Mark (Kim) Peel of Sikeston and Steven (Laura) Peel of Egypt Mills. Linda preceded him in death in March 1999. He then married Nita Cooper on April 20, 2003, who had adult children from her previous marriage with Sonny Cooper: Tracy (Sue) Cooper of Wentzville, Missouri, and Noell (Jim) Robbins of New Madrid, Missouri. Nita preceded John in death in 2005.

He served during the Korean conflict from 1953 to 1957 as an aircraft mechanic on B-25's.

He retired from Ameren UE, after 30 years of work.

John a devoted husband and father, enjoyed spending time with family and friends. A devoted Christian and servant of our Lord, he was a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Sikeston and was one of the founders of Trinity Baptist Church in Sikeston.

He had many interests including gardening, fishing, hunting and volunteering. He was a volunteer at Missouri Delta Medical Center for 21 years. In 1981 he was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest award the Boy Scouts bestow to volunteer leaders. In 2004 he was honored by having his name placed on the Sikeston Honors Board for 52 years of outstanding volunteer contributions to youth programs in the community.

John is also survived by eight grandchildren, Anne (Darren) Jones, Katie Peel, Rebecca Peel, Sarah (Alan) Lowe, Megan (Brad) Wilson, Nathan (Josey) Cooper, Brandon Robbins and Thorne (Paris) Robbins. He has three great-grandchildren, Asher Jones, Harper Jones and Tenley Lowe, and many beloved friends, cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Imogene Hatley; and brothers, Edwin, Charles and Darrell Peel.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the First Baptist Church of Sikeston.

Funeral service will be at noon, with the Rev. Brad Wilson officiating. A private committal service will be at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield. Military Rites will be conducted by the Missouri Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his honor to Missouri Delta Foundation, 1008 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801 or First Baptist Church, 1101 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO 63801.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.