Joshua Thomas Peeler

Joshua Thomas Peeler was born on July 30, 1993. He only had 30 short years to shine, leaving this world a better place on Dec. 13, 2023.

Josh was raised in Dongola and Anna, Illinois, and resided in Southern Illinois his entire life. 

He was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Laken Renea Peeler and Eila River Peeler. The girls were Josh’s joy, bringing a smile to his face simply with their presence.

After attending Dongola School and Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and graduating in 2012, Josh spent most of his adult life as a Merchant Marine. He was recently promoted to a Mate and was proud of the work that he performed. He also spent some time working at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna as a technician. 

His true passion in life was music. Josh had the gift of being able to pick up any musical instrument and play it as if he had played it many times before. He leaves us his gift of many recorded songs.

Josh is survived by his two daughters, Laken Renea Peeler and Eila River Peeler; his mother, Michelle (Keith) Bono of Anna; his sisters, Julia Nichole Peeler and Olivia Meshell Bono of Anna; and many other relatives and friends.

Josh was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Elmer Eugene “Gene” Butler and Shielda Wheaton.

The family of Joshua Peeler hosted a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Interment followed at St. John’s Cemetery, west of Dongola. 

Memorials can be made to Michelle Bono. Donations will be used to open an account for Josh’s daughters, Laken and Eila.

To visit his memorial page and to leave online condolences for his family, visit the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home website at rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.