Peter Konakha Tonkumoh was born in Lagos Island in Nigeria on 3rd April, 1955 into
the family of Mr. & Mrs. Young Uzor Tonkumoh. He was the Fourth child of the family.
He hailed from Rivers State from Otrofani under Sagbama Local Government. Peter left
this world for the next on August 17, 2025 in Olympia Fields, Illinois, USA. He is
survived by his wife Carrie Tonkumoh, sons, Jimmy and Shawayne, grandchildren:
Maria Grace and Michael, Jordon Phalo, and Mikayla Freeman and his siblings, He was
preceded in death by his parents, many siblings and son Jason Phalo. He attended
Holy Cross Primary School and Royal Polytechnic College in Yaba. He studied
Electrical in Port-Harcourt in Nigeria.
Peter developed a strong temperament and was over protective of his siblings, making
sure no one took undue advantage of them. Peter was one of the top boys in his own
time being an entrepreneur in spirit and was engaged in several business ventures. He
didn’t tolerate nonsense from anyone and he was described by all his colleagues as
easy going, disciplined, trustworthy, dutiful and business minded.
BUSINESS CAREER
As a struggling young man, survival was the game for him. He was admired by his
peers for his entrepreneur skill. He ventured into foreign exchange business which
enhanced him more to travel to many states abroad.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Those who knows Peter back then he was nicknamed Peter Pan the America Boy, they
could attest to the fact that he was a lover of life, music, Parties, a fashionista but a
devoted to his family. Peter became a renewed and dedicated Christian and became a
member of the Unification Church Worldwide in his formative years, cultivated many
friends in the church which was for him a home away from home. The Unification
Movement members visited his family members in Nigeria many years back.
LIFE PRINCIPLES
Peter had a big personality, he was brought up in a strong Christian home and his
principles were grounded in ethical beliefs. Peter's life was a testament to the power of
faith. He lived in humility, compassion and a deep sense of purpose even when he was
going through pain. He never forget his family, making us to believe that all is well.
His legacy is not just one of Love but of Spiritual inspiration that will continue to guide
us.
Rest in peace, dear brother, your passing leaves a void in our hearts. May your soul find
eternal peace and Joy in the Lord's presence.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
From Linda and all members of the family.
Tribute
Peter was a man of unwavering faith, a true servant of God whose life reflected the
grace and love of the Almighty. He wasn't just a believer - he lived his faith every single
day, and it was evident in how he carried himself, how he loved others, and how he
approached life's challenges.
His devotion to God was the foundation of everything he did. Whether he was offering a
kind words, lending a helping hand or simply sharing his wisdom, Peter's heart was
guided by the teachings of Christ. He was a man of prayer, a man of peace, and a man
who found joy in serving his community and family in ways that glorified God.
He often reminded us of the importance of trusting God's plan, even when times were
tough. His faith was steadfast and unshakable - a source of strength not just for himself,
but for everyone around him. He taught us to lean on God, to seek his guidance, and to
give thanks in all circumstances.
His life was a testament to the power of faith. He lived with humility, compassion, and a
deep sense of purpose, always sharing to honor God in everything he did. His legacy is
not just one of Love, but of spiritual inspiration that will continue to guide us.
Though he's no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing he's at peace, resting in the
arms of the Lord he Loved so deeply. Brother Peter, your faith was a light to us all, and
your example will forever remain in our hearts.
Until we meet again, May you rest in external glory. Amen
From the entire members of the Tonkumoh family.
Life of Loving to be the best, pushing the envelope to be more.
On his journey in life Pete went from one extreme to another. His goal in life was to be
the best. Even what he wore. The way he carried himself was with his head held high.
I was matched with Pete Kingsley Tonkumoh in the summer of 1995 by Rev. Sun
Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church (Holy Association for the Unification
of World Christianity, HAS-UWC). I came to Chicago in August and I married Pete two
days later. We met at the airport, he was sitting in a chair with his head down. When
he looked up I saw God in his eyes and that was all I needed, because I prayed for
someone stronger than me. I knew this was to be my soulmate no matter what. He
would say city boy marrying a country girl. He would say you are stuck with me for the
rest of eternity. There is no death do we part.
Before I met Peter he traveled a lot meeting different pastors from all walks of life. He
and Rev. P. Spicer would work together all over the US preaching and evangelizing.
We had 30 years together, many trials, many ups and downs. Love is the key. He
prayed for a flower business and God gave him Heaven’s Florist in Tinley Park. While
we were there he still went to many church events. Sometimes he went to four
churches in one day, all denominations. Through it all he worked for God’s Glory.
Sometimes he would be sick and would never let anyone know. It wasn’t until 2007 that
he couldn’t hide it from me. Through it all the trials of life I always remember the first
time I knew that God would not leave me and He would not give me more than I could
handle. Each year Pete’s health became worse, he never let anyone know how sick he
was but God had a way of showing me little things that he wasn’t his normal self.
2019-2021 was a turning point for Pete. I never changed, I only loved him more. He did
dialysis from 2021-until the present but could do it no more because of many
complications. I rubbed his hand when the doctor said he was heavily sedated and he
squeezed mine back. I made sure he saw me for the last time and I rubbed his chest
and head so he knew I would always love him forever. I got four winks every time I
said, “I love you.” I kissed him goodbye before and after I let him go. I said, “I will love
you for the rest of my life”.
Carrie Tonkumoh (wife)
Kurtz Memorial Chapel
Kurtz Memorial Chapel
Kurtz Memorial Chapel
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
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