Bill Peak, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Bella Vista, Arkansas, on August 1, 2022. He was born December 30, 1951, and raised in Paola, Kansas. He was the son of Thomas E. & Eva (Knight) Peak and the grandson of Bill and Goldie (Bruce) Peak.  After graduating from Paola High School, class of 1969, he traveled around the United States for three years working various odd jobs. He returned to Kansas graduating from the University of Kansas with a BA in American History and Masters in American Constitutional History.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and his stepdaughter, Rachel LeVance. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; stepson, Chet (Lisa) LeVance of Naples FL; brother, Martin; sister, Cathy (Randy) Bell of Paola, Kansas; two nephews; and a niece.

Bill began a 23-year career with the US Postal Service in 1985 starting out as a mail handler and finishing as a Maintenance Control Technician in 2008.

February 26, 1994, Bill married Kathryn Knight LeVance, the love of his life. They spent 25 of their 28 years together exploring throughout North America until his declining health prevented further travel. His affinity for history took them to all the presidential gravesites from George Washington to George H W Bush as well as many of the homes and Presidential Libraries. His love and knowledge of classic movies led to a Turner Classic Movie cruise where he mingled with some of the old stars as well as the passengers with whom he had a common interest.

At the age of 40, Bill contracted a virus that began a slow deterioration of his heart.  He was eventually put on a transplant list and July 8, 2006, Bill got a new lease on life when he received a new healthy heart.

That second life was not wasted. After moving to Tonganoxie, Kansas in 2004, he served on the Tonganoxie Planning Board, and the City Council. Bill was the program director for the Tonganoxie Community Historical Society and was active in Leavenworth County Development Commission, and Southern LV County Leadership Training.  He was a very successful fund raiser for the Leavenworth Co Democrats community activities.  Bill & Kathy retired to Bella Vista, AR in 2016.

Above all, Bill loved life. He loved meeting and learning the stories of people from all walks of life including numerous politicians, actors, and authors. He met and brightened the lives of many children over the years in his role as Santa Claus.

Family and friends are invited to participate in a Potluck Dinner & Celebration of Life honoring Bill on October 22, 2022, from 12:00p.m. until 4:00 pm at the Parish Hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 100 S Cherokee, Frontenac, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com