COLUMBUS
October 28, 1967 – February 20, 2022
Pete was born October 28, 1967 in Phoenix, Arizona, he 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 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 over 30 plus years of driving covering 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 school and sports activities. Pete was a participant in the Annual Columbus, Indiana Santa Claus Pub Crawl, a fundraiser for local charities. He had been an 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.
