In loving memory of

John Robert Peel
May 7, 1992 - May 23, 2012

John Robert Peel, age 20, of Dripping Springs, son of John and Debbie Peel, and brother to Daniel Peel passed on May 23rd, 2012. John was a loving son and grandson, a loyal friend and devoted big brother. John touched the hearts of all who knew him with his beaming smile, willingness to serve, loyalty, and quiet compassionate leadership. Born in Flagstaff, Arizona on May 7, 1992, he truly lived a charmed life growing up along Onion Creek in the beautiful Hill Country and had the opportunity to become a world traveler. With his family, John traveled to Italy, Austria, Germany, Morocco, Tobago, and Belize. He also enjoyed traveling the US to Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, and Utah where he loved to ski. He was a certified diver, snow skier, white water rafter, and rider of camels in the Sahara. He followed his grandmother's love for food and became an exceptional chef. He enjoyed working at the Salt Lick in Driftwood and truly loved his family of co-workers. John was a member of Boy Scout Troop 101, which was a wonderful experience. John learned many things with the troop as a leader and enjoyed sharing his experience with younger scouts serving as a troop guide and instructor, and later as Senior Patrol Leader. He enjoyed countless campouts, hikes, and participated in a 68-mile trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Twice a representative of the Capitol Area Council for the annual Report To State, he gave the invocation to the 2010 Report To State sharing the podium with the governor. After years of work and fulfilling many requirements, he earned the highest rank in scouting of Eagle, on July 16, 2010. John coordinated the efforts of dozens of volunteers and led the construction of a beautiful meditation trail for the historic Philips Cemetery in Dripping Springs. His quiet leadership still continues to inspire others in the Troop today. John was a member of Order of the Arrow, Tonkawa Lodge. He graduated from Dripping Springs High School in 2010. He served as an officer in the Science Club and had a great time participating in the Capitol BEST robotics challenge. He was currently attending classes at Austin Community College. John is survived by his parents, John and Deborah Peel and brother Daniel Peel, of Dripping springs; grandparents Andrea Reed, of Austin; Marilyn and Leonard Lehrer, of Austin; Larry and Deborah Peel, of Austin; Bob and Carol Reed of Sandy, Utah; great grandmother, Betty Reed of Sandy, Utah; aunt and uncle Jen and Rob Reed and cousins Marcus and Lucas of Sandy, Utah; aunts Tracy Peel and cousin Dillon Havins of Dripping Springs; Jamye Peel of Dripping Springs and cousins Ryan Pawlak, of San Marcos, Jessica Pawlak of Austin; aunt and uncle Janna and Steve Paulson and cousin Nicholas of Austin.A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 29 at 3 PM at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church located at 28900 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a favorite charity.

Tributes

Julie wrote on Jun 30, 2012:

"I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. May you find comfort in the scriptures such as John chapter 5 verses 28 and 29. Sincerely, Julie"

Susan and Michaela Powell wrote on May 28, 2012:

"I smile every time I see my stars made out of limestone with "Math Rocks" and "Math Still Rocks". They have a prominent place on the bookshelf in my living room. John was truly a joy to have as a student. Michaela and I were saddened deeply when we heard the news. We wish we could be there. . . know that our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Sadie Witkowski wrote on May 27, 2012:

"Dear Peel Family, John was an amazing friend- always ready to rant about Doctor Who or quietly sit and just enjoy each other's company. He was an incredible person and I'll always have the best memories of him. My deepest love, Sadie"

sally witkowski wrote on May 27, 2012:

"John Peel, My daughters first friend --always kind, responsible helpful and easy to be with. His ability to express himself so succinctly at such a young age was remarkable ---my thoughts prayers and heart are with the Peel family-"

Jim & Heidi Turpin wrote on May 26, 2012:

"John & Debbie: Our family is so truly sorry and sending our love and thoughts to you. Though we are unable to be there with you, we are both thinking of you. John was such a fine young man and the epitome of an Eagle Scout. Love, Jim & Heidi"

Payne Family wrote on May 26, 2012:

"Dear Peel Family, Our hearts go out to you. We wish you strength. With our deepest sympathy, Jeanne & Daniel Payne"

Alex Payne wrote on May 26, 2012:

"Dear Mr. & Mrs. Peel, His friends will remember John with his fun, dry sense of humor. He was a great person to talk to. I am going to miss him. My condolences, Alex Payne"