Carleton W. Peever, 91, of Wightman Street, Niles, died t 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010 at home following an extended illness.

He was born Aug. 17, 1918 in Benton Harbor to Royal Peever and Beulah (Kendall) Peever. He moved to Niles 62 years ago from Eau Claire, Mich. He retired in 1980 from carpentry work.

He married Betty F. (Waugh) Peever on Aug. 31, 1946 in St. Joseph.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Air Force, and later was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the U.S. Army. He retired as master sergeant after 22 years of service with the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the American Legion Post 26 in Niles.

Carleton enjoyed clock repair, building and repairing items in the home, fishing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Linda L. (Philip) Focht of Marcellus, Karla S. Peever James of Bartow, Fla.; brothers, Lindsay Peever of Leesburg, Fla., Robert Peever of Colorado; granddaughters, Christi L. (Jim) Johnson of Fort Campbell, Ky., Kimberly L. Whitney of South Bend; and great-grandchildren, Marshall E. Johnson and Deanna L. Johnson.

He is preceded in death by a grandson, Pete, and a sister, Lola Jean Tirell.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Full military honors by American Legion Post 51 of Buchanan will follow services at the cemetery.

Friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home.