Levi Orwin Peese

Levi Orwin Peese, 96, of Kerrville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 2, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born on Oct. 22, 1927, in Stonewall, Texas, Levi lived a life dedicated to faith, family and service to his country.

Levi was the beloved son of August and Parralee (Chesser) Peese. He was baptized on April 9, 1928, and confirmed in 1943 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonewall, Texas. He attended the one-room Junction School in Stonewall, which is now part of the LBJ National Historical Park. His work revolved around farming and ranching in Stonewall, Fredericksburg and Center Point, Texas.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army as a Signal Lineman during the Korean War from 1950-1952, running signal wires with the 40th Signal Company to provide communication for battle. For his service, Levi received the Occupation Medal (Japan), the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star and the United Nations Service Medal.

On Sept. 17, 1960, Levi married Julia Evelyn Helmers at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. They shared 21 years of marriage until Julia's passing in May 1982. Levi was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, Kerrville, starting in 1967; serving as an usher and helping with church maintenance and repairs.

Levi worked for the Texas Department of Transportation for 25 years, retiring in June 1992. His role in highway maintenance ensured the safety of travelers across the Hill Country. After retirement, Levi enjoyed watching his family grow, woodworking, country dancing, gardening, fishing, hunting, making venison sausage with the family and traveling. He also enjoyed helping people in need. He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the San Antonio Spurs, and college football ? cheering for the Texas Longhorns and the University of Houston Cougars. Above all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often pulling them around the yard in a Radio Super red wagon.

On Oct. 26, 1985, Levi married Peggy Jo Krenek at Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and his children and their spouses: daughter Sandra (Jerry) Reynolds of Boerne, and son Daryl (Kathy) Peese of Fair Oaks Ranch; stepson Steve Griffin of Kerrville; stepdaughter Verna Jo Griffin of Kerrville; stepson and stepdaughter-in-law Keith (Sharon) Griffin of Ingram. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Britnie (Jason) Cowles, Tyler Peese, Lindsey Reynolds and Tim Reynolds; stepgrandson Dustin Griffin. Two great-grandchildren, Austin Cowles and Hailey Cowles, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also survive him.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Julia, Levi was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Max and Ruby Peese, and his sister and brother-in-law, Cora and Chester Grona.

Visitation will be held at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a memorial service to be announced at a later date. Honorary pallbearers include Britnie Cowles, Dustin Griffin, Tyler Peese, Lindsey Reynolds, Tim Reynolds, Austin Cowles and Hailey Cowles.

Levi's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Peterson Hospice of Kerrville for the exceptional compassion and care they provided during Levi's final days. Their support brought great comfort to Levi and his family.

Memorials can be made to Zion Cares Ministry or Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville, Texas.

Condolences may be sent at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.

LINKS

FREDERICKSBURG Standard House Account

Fredericksburg Standard Radio-Post

http://www.fredericksburgstandard.com