October 28, 1967 – February 20, 2022
Pete was born October 28, 1967, in Phoenix, Arizona, he is the son of Peter J. Jr. and Virginia (Ginny) (Dougherty) McMinds. He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, and infant niece.
He married Lisa (McCarty) McMinds on September 17, 2005, in Columbus, IN.
He was the father of ‘bonus’ daughters, Elizabeth and Rebekah McCarty, his son, Peter J. McMinds IV, and an adopted daughter, Jillian Nicole.
Pete leaves behind, in addition to his loving wife and adored children, his amazing mother, Ginny McMinds; two dear sisters: Patricia J. McMinds and Jennifer L.Horton-Dynneson (David); nieces and nephews: Julie Stanley, Mitchell Stanley, Amy (Lee) Poole, Louis (Meghan) Horton, Matthew (Sara) Horton, James (Chelsey) Horton, Kaylee Horton (Shawn); and two great-nieces and seven great-nephews.
Pete was a favorite uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. In 2001 Pete was blessed with a ‘bonus’ family which includes surviving sister Janet (Knight) Noe, her husband Charles Noe, nieces Beth True, and Jennifer (Chris) Bush; two great-nieces and a great-nephew. In 2005, when Pete married Lisa, he added four brothers to his family: John, Jim, Craig, and Scott, and all of their adored children.
In his youth, he sang in the Phoenix Boys’ Choir, loved playing piano, and was a Boy Scout for many years. In high school he formed and was a drummer in a ‘basement’ band; he played high school and junior college football.
Pete’s career work included many years as an over-the-road semi-truck driver. His travels covered more than 30 years of driving and he covered most of the United States; however, in 2005 he wanted to be home every night, so he started driving local routes. Recently, he received recognition celebrating his dedicated ten-year service with Celadon/TA Services in Greenwood, IN.
He volunteered, along with his wife, Lisa, in supporting the work of the Columbus Young Marines. He encouraged, supported, and assisted in his children’s many schools and sports activities. Pete was a participant in the Annual Columbus, Indiana Santa Claus Pub Crawl, a fundraiser for local charities. He had been a SAL member of American Legion Post no. 250. He was a huge Indianapolis Colts fan.
Pete lived life to the fullest! He was always eager and ready for the next adventure. One of his favorite highlights was a three-generation sky-diving adventure with his mom and nephew. He enjoyed being surrounded by all those he loved.
He was a happy man, hard-working, light-hearted, humorous, with a listening heart of gold … always prepared to share a funny story or humorous joke. His goal in life was to make those around him laugh … he truly believed that laughter was the best medicine. Pete was a trusted and grateful friend to a handful of “brothers from other mothers”. If you were his friend, you were family! To know Pete was to love Pete.
Honorary Casket Bearers: Louis Horton, Jr., Matthew Horton, James Horton, Joe Byrum, Lee Hupp, Craig Garvey, John Bailey, Jr., Eric Bell, Jason King, Mike Buchanan.
The funeral will be conducted Saturday, February 26 in the memorial chapel of Chastain Funeral Home and Cremation Center at 1 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Pete will be cremated with interment at Mitchell Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com.
