Peter John Cleary was born August 22, 1956, in Elgin, Illinois, to Arthur and Wylda (Dixon) Cleary. He departed this life on December 29, 2023, at his home in Eminence, Missouri, at the age of 67.
Peter was united in marriage to Margie May (Vandenboss) Searles on April 3, 2004, and gained two step-sons from this union. Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Michael Cleary; sister, Cheryl Wright; father-in-law, Gary Vandenboss; and four brothers-in-law.
He is survived by his wife, Margie Cleary; daughter, Christine Huffman and husband, Tom of Woodstock, IL; son, John Cleary and wife, Chris of Durham, NC; step-son Gary Searles and wife, Tamber of Mountain View, MO; step-son Kaleb Searles and wife, Shelby of Eminence, MO; five grandsons, Alex, Brentley, Lane, Liam, and Camden; three granddaughters, Ashleigh, Sam, and Allison; brother, Tom Cleary and wife, Carol of Palatine, IL; sister, Loretta Feulner and husband, Jim of Slidell, LA; sister, Ellen Ingram of Montgomery, IL; especially his close sister-in-law, Judy Cleary; five more sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pete started his adult life in the Chicago area as an electrician, where he belonged to the IBEW Union Local 134. Later, moving to Missouri, he started his own business, P&M Electrical. Once mastering the art of electricity, he pursued his true passion of being a Chef. He successfully operated Margie’s Place until his retirement. Pete was an accomplished Freemason, becoming a Master Mason at the Glenview, Illinois Lodge No. 1058. He then joined and completed the York rite and was later Knighted by Knights Templar of the Austin Commandery No. 84 in 1989. Pete spent many years belonging to the Medinah Shrine Club in Addison, Illinois. He was also a member of the Scenic Rivers Shrine Club of Shannon County, Missouri, and Eminence Masonic Lodge No. 607. While living in Eminence, Pete recognized the need for Medical First Responders and completed his course in 2002, and ultimately furthered his education to obtain his EMT license, with which he worked for local area ambulances. Pete enjoyed the small town of Eminence and the many friends he made during his time there.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2023, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri, with Pastor Randy Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-3:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be at Munsell Cemetery in Eminence. Immediately following, there will be a dinner at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Eminence. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
