John R. Peach, Jr.

John R. "Dick" Peach Jr., 77, Topeka, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2007 at a local hospital. Dick was born October 24, 1929 in Salina, Kansas to John R. and Evelyn Peach.

He graduated from St. Johns Military School in Salina, Kansas. He received his B.A. in History from Washburn University and his J.D. from Washburn Law School.

Dick served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. During his service he was stationed at Enewetak in the South Pacific during the Operation Castle tests of the hydrogen bomb.

Dick was married to Elizabeth "Betty" Gaile Moyer, December 18, 1954 in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.

During Dick's life he worked at a wide variety of jobs. He owned and operated Copy Fac Reproductions in Wichita. Dick sold heavy equipment for Midwest Machinery Company in Great Bend, Kansas. He assisted his father in publishing the book, "Kansas It's Power and It's Glory". Dick also served as a manager to Triplett Standard Oil service stations. He began his law career as a Law Clerk in the Kansas Attorney Generals office. In private practice he specialized in criminal defense work. He went on to teach Business Law and Business Administration at both Clark College and Platt College in Topeka. After retirement he continued to work part-time at Peyton Liquor and as a substitute teacher for the Topeka Public School System.

Dick was active in his church, a member of First Presbyterian Church. He served as an Elder and a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church; he also served as a delegate to the Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church General Assembly. Dick was a member of the St. Andrews Society. Dick loved acting and appeared in numerous roles at Topeka Civic Theater, Washburn University Theater, Showcase Theater and in the movie "The Day After". He performed in Phil Grecian's "In His Steps" for 11 years. Dick was also an avid golfer, reader and bridge player.

Survivors include his wife Betty; children, Elizabeth and Lyndsey Barclay, Broken Arrow, OK; Leslie and Gary McDonald, Richardson, TX; John Peach III and friend Lori Yoder, Topeka; and Charles and Dori Peach, Roeland Park, KS. His sisters, Margaret and husband Bruce Maupin, Denver CO and Martha Peach, Madrid, Spain. His grandchildren Michelle Barclay Mayenschein, Trey Barclay, Austin Peach and Gabriella Peach also survive him as well as brother-in-law Cy and Gladys Moyer and sister-in-law Ruth Anna Gerald and his nieces and nephews.

Private family burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church, Topeka, KS. Dick will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday and visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, The Salvation Army or Washburn University.

Dick will be missed by family and friends.
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