Meryl Lorence Peake

Meryl Lorence Peake, age 89, passed away on December 29, 2020 with his family by his side.  Meryl was born December 9, 1931, the first of seven children to Ira and Bernice (Hubbell) Peake.

Meryl attended Brush Ridge School and graduating in 1950 from Hastings High School.  He served in the Army from 1955-1957 in Germany. Meryl worked the family farm all his life, drove semi-truck for Knappen Molasses, retiring after 29 years.  He then became a field representative for Lake Odessa Livestock Auction for 15 years.  He was on the Hope Township Board as a trustee for 42 years. On December 3, 1960, Meryl married the love of his life, Crystal Zerbe, celebrating 60 happy years.

His hobbies were spending as much time as he could with his family, whom he loved very much, and was very proud of all of them.  Meryl and Crystal went on a lot of group trips, seeing several states.  He enjoyed running around the farm in his gator, cutting wood, doing whatever he wanted.  He loved eating Crystal's pies, cookies, and a dish of ice cream.

Meryl is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Hamilton, Melva Bigelow, and brother Marvin Peake.

He is survived by his wife, Crystal, children Tom (Janet) Peake, Sharon (Donald) Miller, Linda (Mark) Smitter, grandchildren Matt, Mark (Ashley), Jennifer (Derrick), Justine, Samantha, Doug (Kelly), Chelsey (Brad), Trenten, great-grandchildren Abby, Madilynn, Brody, Maverik, Kassidy, Kerigan, Kinnley, Brenna, Ronin and Riddik, sisters Marjorie Huva, Maxine (Dale) Payne, brother Melvyn (Nadine) Peake, brother-in-law, Vance Hamilton, many nieces and nephews.  Meryl will be deeply missed by his family.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, with a graveside service to follow at 1:30 PM at Brush Ridge Cemetery, 4975 Wilkins; Hastings, MI. The service will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/GirrbachFuneralHome You do not need a Facebook account to view. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .