Learel Byron Peak

Learel Byron Peak, 67, of Shelbina, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2021, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal.

Learel was born December 4, 1953 in Macon, the son of Charles Byron and Lois Annetta (McClure) Peak. He graduated in 1971 from South Shelby High School, where he was a proud, valuable member of the Cardinals state championship football team. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy in September, 1971, and served four years on the aircraft carriers, USS Enterprise and USS Hancock during the Vietnam Conflict.

Upon returning to the states, he enrolled in college at Northeast Missouri State University, where he earned a BSE in Industrial Arts. He became a substitute city mail carrier and also worked as a carpenter. He was later promoted to full-time city mail carrier, and he held that position until he retired in 2009.

Learel was an aide in the South Shelby school district, he volunteered at the Senior Citizens Center and the local food pantry, and he was a member of the Shelbina Chapter of the American Legion Post 376, where he was an active member for several years. He was also an active member of the Shelbina Christian Church and used his singing and carpentry talents throughout the church. He loved to refinish and repair furniture and just about anything anyone brought to him for repairs. His handiwork speaks highly of him, and he was willing to lend a helpful hand wherever it was needed.

He is survived by his wife, Elke; a son, Carl Peak of Shelbina; daughter,  Kati Braden (Jon) of Shelbina; Monika Whitmore (Alfred Ambrosi) of Lenexa, Kan. and Sylvia Hall (Tim) of Kansas City; and 10 grandchildren, Lyndon, Caynan, and Owyn Peak; Lillian, Adelaide and Sophia Braden; Reilly and Mason Whitmore; and Elias and Olive Hall. He is also survived by three sisters, Myrna Schroy of Shelbina, Charla Funk (Harley) of Huntsville, and Connie Schwieter (Roger) of Shelbina; brother –in-law, Wayne Benedict; numerous sisters and brothers-in-law living in Germany; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marcia Benedict; and brother-in-law, John Schroy.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 11 am at the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home in Shelbina. Military Services will be conducted after the funeral service. Memorials can be made to Shelbina Christian Church, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and Shelbina Senior Citizens.