Earl "Ed" Edward Peeples

Earl Edward “Ed” Peeples, Jr. Ed Peeples passed away August 26, 2012 from Alzheimer’s disease. Ed was born August 23, 1929, to Earl Edward and Annie Ruth (Nations) Peeples in West Palm Beach, Florida and was raised in Miami. He had two younger brothers, Robert and Dale Peeples, both deceased. He married Lillian Rose Kley on January 23, 1965. He is survived by his wife; his two daughters, Stephanie Johnson (TJ) and Jennifer Peeples (Charles Waugh); two grandsons, Quinn Johnson and Owen Waugh; and Ed Rossi, a son from a previous marriage. Ed’s life was marked by his profound intellectual and spiritual curiosity. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and, once ordained, became pastor to a small church in Washington, D.C. Called to teach as well as to minister, he went back to school to receive a Master of Science degree from Stetson University in Florida and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, both in biological sciences with an emphasis in genetics. His first academic position was at Southwestern University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and then went on to teach, mentor and research for 25 years at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, retiring at the rank of Full Professor. During this time, he and his family also were able to travel the world. After retiring, Ed and Lillian moved to Olympia, and with the help of his daughter Stephanie and son-in-law TJ, opened the Swantown Inn Bed and Breakfast. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church with a special interest in older adult ministry. He also took great pride in the many weddings he officiated. In addition to his two daughters, he married over 90 couples at the Swantown Inn. While Ed’s lifelong curiosity has ended, it continues to live on in his two grandsons. He will be greatly missed. Ed’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way SE in Olympia. The family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please leave memories of Ed or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.