Thomas E. Peak

Thomas Peak passed away July 15 at the Miami County Medical Center. Thomas Eugene Peak was born March 15, 1932 in Pittsburg, KS to William Francis and Goldia Irene Dilley Peak. The family moved to Paola, KS soon after and Tom grew up in Paola. His mother died in 1936 when he was four and he spent summers with relatives in Pittsburg and he often recounted the fun he had and how nice his relatives were to him. He attended Catholic grade school and a few one room schoolhouses due to family moves during the depression. Being very poor he remembered a few days of only having oatmeal for each meal. During high school he worked as a projectionist at the old Jewell Theatre, located on the east side of the Paola Square. He was able to see Roy Rogers, Gabby Hays, and Gene Autry in person during their special appearances. He was awarded second prize in drafting competition for the state of Kansas during his junior year. After graduation in 1950, he worked in oil fields on the Sponable lease. He married Eva M. Knight on Dec.1, 1950 after meeting her on Paola Park Square. They had three children; William Thomas, Martin Eugene and Catherine Ann. Tom worked for Montieth Generator Plant in Paola; Cornelius Construction in Iola where he helped build the National Guard Armory; as a machinist for Taylor Forge in Paola, Union Machine in Kansas City with friends Joe Kresin and Dave Webster and for thirty years with Delco-Remy in Olathe as machinist and later serving as Health and Safety Representative for Local 1021. Renting from Lou Baehr and a few other landlords, Tom and Eva lived in several homes in Paola and after renting a farm house from Frank Schroeder; they bought 20 acres north of Paola and moved to their new home in 1969, where he lived until the present time. With Tom"s ability in mechanics and his like of autos, racing them came naturally. Tom built and raced three different hot rods from 1950"s to 1964, along with his friends, Dan Morgan, Virgil Chapman, Pete Bennett, John Bennett and Cliff Pearce among others.. He raced at all local tracks including the Paola track, once owned by his friend Bill Ingersoll, located east of the Paola airport. Highly successful, Tom helped build engines for several drivers in Kansas City and was a constant source of mechanical knowledge. Tom was awarded thousands of dollars for ideas he submitted at Delco. While working at Delco Tom traveled to many parts of America attending and lecturing at health and safety seminars. He and Eva were able to see many sites and participated in picketing the South African Embassy in Washington, DC, over its apartheid government. Grandchildren brought Tom a special pride that involved many sightseeing trips to Yellowstone, and other national sights. He relished being involved in their activities and even drove to Texas to attend one of their sporting events. Special times included cookouts on the hill at the back of his property with "legends" of Indian camps, cooking hot dogs and exploring for artifacts. Tom was an avid reader and news hound. He was informed on national and local issues and could identify most political figures and public policies. His views were formed by the depression and strengthened by a working person"s daily existence. He was a member of World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club, UAW Local 1021, and the Democratic Party. Tom rang bells for the Salvation Army for several years. He loved nature and animals and after moving into his new home he constructed large piles of brush as refuge for wildlife. Tom loved garage sales and would often bring "treasures" to local businesses, friends and family. He will be missed by family and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Goldie Harvey Bruce Peak, and a brother, George Bruce. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eva Peak, of the home, a sister, Betty White, of Spokane WA., a brother, Jim Bruce, of Paola. Also surviving are his son, Bill and wife Kathy of Tonganoxie, KS; son Marty of Paola and daughter Cathy Bell and husband Randy of Paola; three grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Contributions in his memory to the Salvation Army, in care of Pennwell Gabel would be appreciated.