Dwight E. Peel of Martinsville, IL, passed peacefully at the age of 85 on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Dwight was born November 28, 1927, in Edinburg, Illinois, to Raymond Franklin Peel and Janice Irene (Perry) Peel. On June 3, 1962 he married Karen Elaine Buckner in the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, IL.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen Elaine (Buckner) Peel; two daughters, Janeen Rue of Cypress, Texas, and Debbie Musielak and husband John of Oblong, Illinois; four grandchildren, Jim Dean and wife Holly of Tomball, Texas, Jessica Coberly and husband Calvin of Spring, Texas, Zachary McNeil of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kelsie McNeil of Edwardsville, Illinois; and five great-grandchildren, Paige Garner, Jade Dean, Ian Dean, Triston Coberly, and Morgan Coberly. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Boaden and husband Bob of Edinburg, Illinois, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marilyn and Jerry Ulrey of Springfield, Missouri, and two aunts, Sue Dowdell and husband Hoy of Edinburg, Illinois, and Madge Garling of Crown Point, Indiana. Survivors also include five nieces and nephews; Doug Willis, Sheri Cornwell and husband Wesley, Leroy Boaden and wife Erin, Scott Ulrey and wife Polly, and Steve Ulrey and wife Stacy, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, his first wife, Nita June (Van Vleet) Peel, and a nephew, Jeffrey Ulrey.
Dwight was a member of the Army Quartermaster Corps in the Occupied Forces in Japan immediately after World War II. He worked as a coal miner, an operating engineer, an electrician, and as a custodian at Casey High School. He was a member of the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Martinsville and loved assisting in musical programs at the church. Music played an important role in Dwight’s life. He was an accomplished guitarist with his steel guitar and played in a country western band in years past, but he could play virtually any stringed instrument. He enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel groups, especially Higher Ground, becoming dear friends with its members. Dwight also had a great passion for fishing, hunting, gardening, and mowing his lawn.
Dwight truly lived life to the fullest with a keen sense of humor and a loving heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He has touched many hearts and will be dearly missed, but many lives have been made richer by his Christian spirit.
The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Heartland Manor for the exceptional care, and the attention they gave to Dwight and all family members during a very difficult time.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Willow Creek Church, 6492 E. 400th Rd., Martinsville, IL with Rev. Kevin Small officiating. Burial will follow in the Willow Creek Cemetery, rural Martinsville, IL. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday evening at the Greenwell Funeral Home, 30 N. Washington St., Martinsville, IL.
The family requests that friends may make donations to the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church Praise Band or to the Children’s Noisy Offering Fund, 6492 E 400th Road, Martinsville, IL 62442.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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