Charles (Chuck) A. Peggs Jr., 81, of Rushville, Ind., passed away peacefully at home Dec. 23, 2025, surrounded by his kids. Born and raised in northern Rush County, Ind., Peggs was the son of Charles A. and Vera E. (Swinburn) Peggs, both of whom preceded him in death. He was a brother to Dennis (Denny) Peggs (wife Carole), of Rushville; Sheryl Dysert (husband Steve, deceased), of South Bend; and Joseph Lawrence (Larry) Peggs (wife Karen), of Seminole, Fla. He graduated from Mays High School in 1962 as valedictorian of his class and maintained many friendships from those days. He attended Purdue University from 1962-1966. He was a legacy member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, the University Choir, and the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, the latter of which gave him the opportunity to travel in the U.S. and around Europe. Upon graduating with a degree in agricultural economics in 1966, he worked in ag chemical sales before joining his dad and brother Denny on the family farm in 1971. Also in 1971, Chuck married the love of his life, Marijean (Jeanie) Moore on Aug. 14. Peggs farmed in Rush County for 42 years and was a proud and devoted father to five children all of whom survive: Lori Cornell (husband Andrew), of Noblesville; Heather Wheeler (husband Mark), of Kokomo; Katie Nolley (husband Scott), of Morristown; Kevin Peggs, of Rushville; and Stefanie Phillips (husband Nick), of Fishers. His love for the Lord and his children was quiet but fierce. He found tremendous joy in his role as “Papa” to his 17 grandchildren: Chaney, Jackson, Maddux and Dawson Cornell; Kyle, Haley (husband Jacob Miller) and Abbigail Wheeler; Keaton (fiancé Jayla), Kendyl and Jackson Nolley; Porter, Sumner, Larryn and Layna Peggs; and Ella, Addison and Jolie Phillips; and two great-granddaughters, Lakelyn and Marina Nolley. He took delight in supporting his grandchildren at games and performances and in spending time with them at family gatherings. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends whom he loved and treasured very much. His life was full of adventure, laughter and story telling, but the joys of his life were simple – farming, family, friends, Jeanie’s home-cooked meals, and music. His musical ability included singing and playing the piano. He was even known to pick a banjo in his younger years. Besides people and music, some of his favorite things included popcorn, a good ear of sweet corn, homemade ice cream with strawberries, fishing for and eating bluegill, listening to the farm markets and Paul Harvey at noon, playing cards, and watching Boilermaker football and basketball. His last act of service was to donate his body to science at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. An informal celebration of his life will be Feb 7, in Fellowship Hall at Center Christian Church, Knightstown. The celebration will begin with an informal visitation from 1-5 p.m. and conclude with a brief service at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to: Whitewater Valley Railroad Heritage Fund https://givetofcf.com/donate-now/ Or Center Christian Church, Gray Family Fund
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