John E. Peoples

John E. Peoples, age 83 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Tuesday morning, May 23, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born in Defiance, Ohio on October 9, 1939 to John and Gertrude (Burke) Peoples. On October 25, 1958 he married Maribeth Smith. They were married for 64 years.  
 
John was a faithful member of Ayersville United Methodist Church and UAW Local #211. He worked as a millwright at General Motors for 38 years until his retirement in 2002.

John had an innate natural talent for music. He was a self-taught piano and keyboard player. John also played the trumpet in the Defiance High School band and dance band. Music was a big part of John and Maribeth's life together. They formed Gospel groups, quartets, trios and duets over the years. They played and sang at nursing homes and assisted living homes, clubs and other events. John played the music for Ayersville United Methodist and Trinity Methodist Church services and other churches in the area.

John loved spending time with his family and good friends playing cards, and enjoyed playing ping pong and tennis with his children. John and Maribeth traveled extensively. John loved to fish on their boat on Lake Erie, and to deep sea fish on the ocean. They spent the winters at their Florida residence in Ocala, enjoying time with family and good friends.
  
John is survived by his loving wife Maribeth, his son, Jeffrey Peoples, and his four daughters, Cynthia (Dana) Manon, Deborah (Larry Williams) Peoples, Sharon (Brian) Manon, and Tammy Batt, all of Defiance. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren; Brandon (Britney) Peoples, Kristin Manon, Kyle Manon, Cody Manon, Corinne (Ethan) Michael, Caitlin Manon, Autumn and Conner Peoples, and three great-grandsons; Liam and Harrison Peoples and Everett Peoples. 
  
John was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Terry Peoples.
  
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow at the funeral home at 11:00 am officiated by Rev. Maurice Dunn. 
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital, ELARA Hospice, or Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus.