Claude W McPeak

Claude W. “Mac” McPeak died on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at age 91. A nearly 50 year resident of Lakeland, Mac owned Graphics House of Lakeland and Plant City Printing. 

Mac was born on November 9, 1934 in Hillsboro, Illinois to Delbert and Mildred McPeak. After a brief sojourn through Port Reading, New Jersey, he and his parents and his five brothers and sisters ultimately settled in Tampa, Florida. Mac graduated from Brewster Technical High School in Tampa and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After training in Parris Island, South Carolina and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mac was stationed at Marine Barracks Washington, DC, 8th and I, “Oldest Post of the Corps”. His dates of Marine Corps service were 1953-1957. 

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Mac went to work in Washington, DC where he met Barbara Jean Wellendorf. They married in July 1958 and remained dedicated to each other for 67 years, raising four children. Mac and Barbara spent the first years of their marriage in Washington, DC, Falls Church, VA, and Lovettsville, VA before moving to Lakeland in 1979 where Mac opened his two businesses.

Family and friends of Mac remember a man with a generous spirit and a twinkle in his eye. He loved nothing better than a quick quip or a good prank, often professing his innocence by musing, “And there I was, just minding my own business.....” Mac enjoyed traveling with his family, camping with his children, playing with his grandchildren, serving as a Boy Scout leader when his sons were young, visiting museums, and attending car shows. Mac was an avid Scrabble player and it was a point of immense pride in the family if one could beat him. 

Mac was raised Baptist but was a long time Lutheran and a member of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, VA and Grace Lutheran Church in Lakeland, FL. As a member of these congregations, Mac served as an usher, a greeter, and a congregation council member.

Mac is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their children Steve McPeak (Holly) of Lucketts, VA, Mike McPeak (Tane) of Lovettsville, VA , Jan Healy (Bob) of Gainesville, VA, and JoEllen McPeak of Lakeland, FL. Mac was a beloved grandfather, and is survived by his grandchildren K. Lee McPeak (Maura) of Frederick, MD, Corrie Stiller (Tim) of Strasburg, VA, Kristen Healy of Hughesville, MD, Michael Healy of Gainesville, VA, William Healy of Gainesville, VA, Caroline Healy of Richmond, VA, Victoria Stranger-Thorsen of Lakeland, FL, and Hunter Stranger-Thorsen of Wesley Chapel, FL. Mac is also survived by five great grandchildren, Lilly Jarvis, Payton McPeak, and Landon McPeak of Frederick, MD, and Jeri Stiller and Bristol Stiller of Strasburg, VA. 

Mac is also survived by his siblings Leila Lietka of Riverview, FL and Cathy Webb (Claude) of Tampa, FL.

Mac was predeceased by his parents, Mildred and Delbert McPeak, and his siblings Melvin McPeak, Ralph McPeak, and Milly Coker.

A memorial service is planned for June 15, 2026 at 10:30 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 745 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 with visitation with the family to follow. Interment will be at a later date at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeland Hospice House, Lakeland, FL or Grace Lutheran Church, Lakeland, FL in memory of Mac.