Milton Peeler La Vasque

MILTON PEELER LA VASQUE, age 94 of Jacksonville passed away in his home Thursday in the early morning hours with his beloved wife by his side. He was born in Russellville, Arkansas to the late William F. La Vasque and Sue Peeler La Vasque. He served as a tank driver with Company D of the 746th Tank Battalion during WWII and remained in Europe as part of the Army of Occupation after the war. After his return, he wed Jemi S. Stuart after finally winning her heart. He was known to his parents and his sister as, Butch, but he also answered to "Hon" when his wife was feeling loving or to Milton Peeler when she was irritated. To his grandchildren, he was "Gramps." To his kids, he was "Dad" or "Daddy", but to all he met he was a gentleman and a scholar. He enjoyed learning and crossword puzzles and helped his daughter, Katt, and his granddaughter, Rave; complete a puzzle just a week before his death. During his transition to the afterlife, his days were brightened by frequent visits from his son and daughter from another mother and father, Tic and Yolly Seedtibood. They brightened and enriched his life and the life of his wife and other children, and continue to be an important and essential part of his legacy. He was a strong and independent man, who could repair of fix almost anything and he taught his sons James (Jim) and Jon and his daughters Kathy (Katt) and Marie many mechanical and electrical skills as they assisted him with projects around the house. He built a sturdy and strong family with his wife Jemi and they created many happy memories through their many camping trips, water skiing outings, family game nights and hunting trips. He taught his children to love and respect the outdoors and the plants and animals that share this earth with us and he and his wife welcomed many exchange students into their home and lives. He is survived by his wife and partner, Jemi La Vasque, his children and their spouses, Katt, George James, Leah, Marie, Billy, Jon, Tic and Yolly; his grandchildren Erik, Erin, and Raven, and his great-granddaughter, Aryia. Family and friends will hold a celebration of his life at Chopsticks Event Center in Jacksonville, Ark., on Sunday, February 25th beginning at 1:30pm. Visitation will be at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home on Monday, February 26th from 6-8pm and burial will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, February 27th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to one of the following charities: Hope for the Warriors, National Military Family Association, or National Wildlife Federation. Arrangements entrusted to Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. 501-982-2136 Online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.