William “Patrick” Peake, 51, of Beaumont died Friday, March 13, 2009 at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital.
A native of Port Arthur and lifelong resident of the area, he was a correctional officer at the Stiles Unit for 14 years. Patrick was a longtime member of Church on the Rock North where he played the congas in the church band.
Patrick is preceded in death by his grandparents, Totsie and Wyatt Howell; father, William G. Peake; and brother, Gary Peake.
He is survived by his wife, Valorie Peake of Beaumont; stepchildren, Lisa Evans, Nicole Gonzalez and her husband Alex, and Kyle Evans; mother, Patricia Howell Peake; sister, Connie Degeyter; brothers, Tom Peake, Tim Peake, and John Michael Peake; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2009 at Broussard's.
William Patrick Peake entered heaven to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Friday, March 13, 2009.
Patrick was born on April 13, 1957 in Port Arthur, Texas and was 51-years old.
A longtime resident of Beaumont, Texas, he is preceded in death by his grand-
parents, Totsie and Wyatt Howell; father, William G. Peake; and brother, Gary Peake.
He is survived by his loving wife Valorie Lyda Peake, his stepchildren Lisa Evans of Beaumont, Kyle Evans and Nicole Gonzalez and her husband Alex of Houston Texas, respectively. His mother Patricia Howell Peake; sister, Connie Degeyter; brothers Tom Peake, Tim Peake, John Michael Peake and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him. Patrick will be greatly missed by his family members, and many friends, church family and community leaders.
Patrick was employed by the State of Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was a correctional officer at the Stiles Unit for 14 years. A much loved brother-in-Christ, he was a longtime member of Church on the Rock North, and was active in ministry until his death.
Patrick loved the Lord and his character reflected the biblical values that he held dear. Honesty, integrity and loyalty and commitment are the foundational principles that defined who Patrick was—they embodied his character and were qualities that were the bedrock of his uncompromising Christian witness.
Shortly before he passed away Patrick had made a vow to read the Bible in 90 days. No matter how tired he was, he was diligent to read God’s Word and kept his promise to be faithful. That’s the kind of man he was—a faithful man who loved his wife, loved his family and stood for righteousness. Patrick loved the truth and he loved the law and upheld both at all costs.
To say that Patrick loved food would be an understatement. Seafood, Mexican—all clamored for his attention. But it was his passion for SHRIMP GUMBO that turned him into a culinary king as he spent hours in the kitchen recreating his grandmother’s recipe.
Patrick was a news-hound. He always wanted to stay on top of current events and would frequently tape the news and watch it later so he wouldn’t miss the day’s latest details. He loved watching crime shows with a fervor and would often remark how he hoped he could nab one of the fugitives on America’s Most Wanted!
Music was one of Patrick’s loves and it played a large part in his life. He had an affinity for classic rock and could WOW anyone with knowledge about its oldest and most obscure trivia. And he loved contemporary Christian music; especially praise music that was upbeat. An avid musician, Patrick enjoyed playing the drums and the guitar when he was young—so it’s just natural that he would find his niche playing his beloved congas in the worship band at church. It’s evident that Patrick’s musicianship flourished as he gave his talents to God.
Patrick lived his life with purpose—not the type of purpose that the world thinks is important but the type of purpose that makes an eternal difference. He knew this was the highest calling—to stay faithful to the end—to run his race with his eyes on the prize. And now…Patrick has crossed the finished line and he has finished well.
To sum it all up—Patrick was an honorable man who lived right and who lived his life to please God.
The scripture tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7 “for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
And we can be sure that in Patrick, God is pleased with what He sees.
