CHARLES CLAYTON PEAK

Charles “Shorty” Clayton Peak, a resident of Landenberg, Pa., passed away on June 8 after a long battle with cancer. He was 76.

At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his three loving daughters and he had seen his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the day before. He had lived in his home in Landenberg since 1949.

He was born July 30, 1943 in West Chester, Pa. to Ruby Dale Loggins Peak and Fitzhugh Lee Peak.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, bowling, punch embroidery, painting, volleyball, horseshoes, and playing corn hole.  He loved planting a large vegetable garden each year to share with family and everyone he met.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his various animals including two chicks he raised from eggs. One of his greatest joys was having family and friends over for outdoor gatherings and cookouts.

He was a member of the Future Farmers of America, and in 1972 he won the Silver Trap Shooting Trophy from Avon Lake  Club, shooting a 98 out of 100.  He was a long-standing member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 851 in Elkton, Md. since 1993. 

During his lifetime he had worked for Chrysler Corporation in Newark for 31 years, Ben Stoltzfus Plumbing and Heating, and Bill Worth Electrical and Plumbing.

Charles is survived by his daughters, Janette Benner (Chad), Karen Smith, and Larraine Campbell (Charles); granddaughters, Cheyenne Smith and Alexis Campbell; grandsons Cameron Smith, Gabriel  and Ryan Benner, and Charles Campbell II; great-granddaughter Paige Smith; great-grandsons, Nathaniel Boyce, Aaron Smith, Frederick Worden IV and loving lifelong friend and ex-wife, Kathleen Peak.

He is predeceased by his parents Ruby and Fitzhugh Peak; brother, James Peak; and grandson, Joshua Smith.

There will be a private viewing at Foulk Funeral Home, 200 Rose Hill Road in West Grove  and a private burial at the Kemblesville United Methodist Church Cemetery.  There will be a public Celebration of Life when it is appropriate.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Moose Lodge No. 851, Loyal Order of the Moose, P.O. Box 328, Elkton, MD 21922, In memory of Charles Peak.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

JOHN L. FERGUSON

The Reverend John L. Ferguson, a resident of Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford, passed peacefully on June 9. He was 87.

“Jack,” as he was lovingly known, was born on June 21, 1932 in Colerain Township in Lancaster County.  He was the son of the late T. Walter and Zeeda (Hess) Ferguson.  Jack’s wife, the late Valaria (Herr) Ferguson, passed in June 2017.

He is survived by three children, daughters: Elaine and Ellen of Asheville, N.C. and a son, Kirk Ferguson (and his wife, Mary Jo) of Kirkwood, along with grandchildren, Robyn Ferguson and Megan (wife of Mike Sirera).  

He was preceded in death by his five siblings, Louis, Evelyn, Thomas, Aileen, and Alma.  

Jack was a graduate of Lincoln University and the Lancaster Theological Seminary.

He was pastor emeritus of the Unionville Presbyterian Church. Jack and Valaria served this Chester County community from 1955 to 1996. After retirement, he served other churches in the Donegal Presbytery in various capacities.  

Interment will be private in the Union Cemetery. Life celebration services will be announced at a later date in the newspaper and at www.dewalds.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Joy Ranch at www.Joyranch.org.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.dewalds.com.

 

DAVID C. THOMAS

David C. Thomas, a resident of Little Britain, passed away while surrounded by his family at his home on June 7. He was 78.

Dave was born on June 8, 1941 in Twin Oaks, Pa. to the late Clyde and Addie (Lord) Thomas.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, MaryAnn (Bard) Thomas.

Dave was a graduate of Oxford High School and served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1965. He was active in fire protection all of his life, having his own fire protection business for more than 25 years. He went on to work for and retire from Marco Fire Suppression.  

A lifetime member of Union Fire Company in Oxford and a past member of Robert Fulton Fire Company, he held many roles, including Fire Chief for a number of years. He was an active member of Washington Lodge #156 F.&A.M. in Quarryville and Zembo Temple Shriners. Dave was also a 30-year member of Brookland Hunting and Fishing Club and a past member of the Wakefield Lions Club.

Dave enjoyed his years in the fire protection field and was a huge advocate for fire prevention all of his life. He valued the time he spent with his family and friends. When not at home, he enjoyed spending time at the family camp in Potter County. He loved the mountains and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandson’s baseball games, rarely missing one.

David is survived by two sons, David Jr. (Michelle) of Little Britain and Joshua (Paula) Thomas of Little Britain. He is survived by three grandchildren, Ben Thomas, Brooke Thomas and Brady Thomas.  He is also survived by two brothers, William of Nottingham and Allen of Rising Sun, Md. 

Dave was preceded in death by three siblings, Lois Perry, Janet Jones, and Merle Thomas. 

A private funeral service will be held at Dewald Funeral and Cremation Services, 227 West Fourth Street, Quarryville. 

Interment will be in the Cochranville Methodist Cemetery.   

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.