Haskell Joe Peaker

February 17, 1936 - August 4, 2017

Haskell Joe Peaker was born February 17, 1936 in Shattuck, Oklahoma, to Elvin and Elma Ruth (Gray) Peaker. He died on August 4, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diana Jane (Ewing) and their children, Kimberly Peaker-Lozano, Jess Lozano, Kevin (Karen) Peaker, Amy (David) Kaff, Melissa (Scott) Whitten, Rebecca Peaker-Benitez, Amber Peaker, and Anton Peaker. Grandchildren, Courtney, Kevin, Taylor, Kayleigh, Khloe, Emily, Spencer, Christian, Sequoia, Mikah, Ruby, Lumen. Great grandchildren, Kaleb, Christien, Hannah, Declan, Cain, Ari. His sister Sharon and Glen "Ol'#2" Davis. His family moved to California when he was 6 months old, settling in the Lamont area. He graduated in 1954 from Arvin High. The first in his family to finish college, he earned a bachelor's in History from the University of Nebraska in 1968, and a master's in Public Administration from CSU Bakersfield in 1983. A Cartographer and Russian Linguist in the Air Force, he spoke 7 languages, and completed his service in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 23 years. He was a veteran of the Korean, Vietnam and Cold War. He served his community for 23 years as a probation officer for Kern County, most notably as the program director for Project Arvin for twelve years. Aside from his accolades, he knew what it was to go without. He was a migrant farm worker, living in a train caboose and a tent house growing up. At the age of twelve he developed rheumatic fever. While bedridden, he read every book in the Lamont library. In many ways it changed his life's direction, instilling in him a love of reading, writing and language. He loved storytelling, singing and playing his harmonica. Haskell adored his wife, loved his family fiercely, and was a protector in every sense of the word. He had a strong faith in God and an integrity that is rare. A man of his word, he was honorable, with great character. He was funny, silly and intelligent. Our hero and champion, we were blessed to call him Husband, Daddy, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. Special gratitude for the wonderful care he received from Dorothy Ochoa and Hoffmann Hospice.