Delbert “Del” Peeples

December 31, 2018

Delbert “Del” Norman Peeples, 87, of Mesa, Arizona, died on December 23, 2018.

Del was born March 11, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Edith (Rayburn) and Roy Peeples, who returned to Everton, Missouri, soon after he was born.

Del joined the Air Force several days after graduating from Everton High School and soon after married Elizabeth Lollar of Greenfield, with whom he had three daughters. They spent the next 22 years posted in Texas, New Mexico, Greenland, Mississippi, Turkey, New Jersey and Hawaii, his favorite place of all.

After retirement from the military, Del earned a college degree in geography and worked in the international import/export industry until he retired a second time. More travel ensued, this time driving an RV through 30 states with his wife, Gretta, of Ash Grove. Del loved history, gardening, traveling, arguing about politics, and hiking in Colorado’s mountains with Gretta.

Del is survived by his wife, Gretta and her daughter, Deb Eoff; brothers: Jim (Anne) and Fred (Shirley) Peeples; and daughters: Deborah (Tim) Donoho, Diane (Kendal) Headden, and Carol (Ken Plotz) Peeples. Grandchildren include Lukah Sharp in Kentucky; Zachary, Nathan, and Grant Headden in Texas; and Drew and Jourdan Donoho in Florida, as well as two great-grandchildren in Texas with another on the way.

Special thanks to Hospice at Home in Mesa, Arizona, for their compassion and care. Del died at home following a brief illness with Gretta and other family members by his side. A service with family will be held when Del’s ashes are broadcast in Colorado’s Ragged Mountains. In lieu of flowers, please remember Del with a donation to your favorite charity.