Peaster, John (1866-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Mar 29 p. 3

Birth date: 1866 Mar 23

text of obituary:

JOHN PEASTER

John Peaster, son of John and Katherine Peaster, was born on March 23, 1866. He was the member of a family of ten children having four brothers and five sisters.

In 1894 he was united in marriage to Effie Jantz. They established their home in Marion county, Kansas. To this union seven children were born — four sons and three daughters.

After 14 short years of married life it pleased the Lord to call away in death his companion, leaving him with the children, all at a tender age. He was a father who loved little children very much and it must have been a sacrifice for him to see his children separated and reared in different homes.

For the past 15 years he made his home among his children.

In June, 1940, he suffered a stroke and since that time had not enjoyed good health.

On March 14 of this year he became seriously ill in the home of his son, Rueben. Upon calling a physician it was found necessary to take him to a hospital. After four days of intense suffering he passed away on March 17, 1945, in the Murray Memorial hospital in Dodge City, Kansas, having reached the age of 78 years, 11 months and 24 days.

He is survived by his four sons, Joe of Winton, California, Reuben, Cimarron; Arthur, Greensburg; Harry, Gage, Oklahoma; and his three daughters, Mrs. Leah Dirks, Greensburg; Mrs. Nora Carpenter, Oregon City, Oregon; and Mrs. Cora Bortz, Ellinwood; 32 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his brother, Henry of Kansas City; three sisters, one living in Chicago, the other two in California, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

Thus another life has passed from this world into eternity. We commit him into the care of the Almighty, there to await the resurrection morn.

Funeral services were held from the Calvary Mennonite church in Greensburg on Tuesday, March 20. Rev. E. M. Yost spoke comforting words from Psalms 103:14. A quartet sang several numbers.

Rev. Samuel Janzen had charge of the short services at the graveside. Here the quartet sang another number entitled "The Pearly White City." After closing prayer by Rev. Janzen the body was laid to rest in the Fairview cemetery.