Robert Peck

A man of fine qualities, Robert Peck will forever remain a special part of all that is within the hearts of his grateful family. A proud Veteran, he served his countrymen with honor and looked to his Lord for the faith he held ever close. A loving man who meant so much to those around him, he will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by the many who knew and loved him.

The year was 1921 and the Roaring Twenties filled the air with a sense of gaiety. American baseball was a favorite pastime of many while the economy boomed. The American dream was working at a fevered pitch and for most, good fortune was alive and well. Cities across Michigan were bustling with business and industry, and farming communities prospered. In the small community of DeWitt, local gas station owner Austin Peck and his wife, Glenna (McConkey) found much to be thankful for as they welcomed the birth of their son, Robert on August 10, 1921.

The second of three sons, Robert joined his older brother, Duain in their family home before his younger brother, Austin came along. He enjoyed typical boyhood adventures, and even found his share of mischief a time or two. As the onset of the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic struggle on all, Robert's father made his living as a truck driver before moving his family to a farm in Olive Township.

Around the age of 14 when his family moved from Lansing to the farm, Bob quickly became enamored with the pretty young girl who lived next door. The feeling was mutual, and before long Kathryn Heibeck and Bob began dating off and on throughout high school. He often took her to the free movies in DeWitt, and together they attended Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns. Kathryn left high school early on and Bob did so in his 11th grade year when they were joined in marriage on September 29, 1939. After getting married in the parsonage of First Methodist Church in St. Johns, Bob supported Kathryn and their new baby daughter, Dianna while working at an area furniture store.

As the battle of World War II waged overseas, Bob, like many other honorable young men, felt the call to duty. When his daughter was only 15 months old, he left for the U.S. Air Force. With aspirations of becoming a fighter pilot, he trained as a waist gunner on an air bomber. There were 33 planes in his squadron, 30 of which went to Europe, and only ten came back. The remaining three had been held in Texas for training, and Bob's was thankfully one of them. He was stationed in Texas and California, and at the war's end he packed up his family and returned home to Michigan, picking up right where he left off working at the furniture store.

Soon after settling in back home, Bob and Kathryn were blessed with their son, Doug. During this time he began working at Federal Mogul as a machine operator, and remained there for the next 30 years until retiring. He also did a little farming for a while. In fact, Bob taught his daughter how to drive the tractor, even encouraging her to do so across the old inter-urban trestle. When his son, Doug was around six years old he had him drive the truck home as he followed on the tractor. Bob most certainly received a good tongue lashing from Kathryn for that one!

As a husband and father, Bob was a most dedicated and devoted family man. Above all, he loved his family and worked hard as a provider. He was a great supporter and encouraged them in each of their endeavors and many activities. One of the many things he taught his children was a sense of perseverance in all things. Bob held very strong opinions when it came to right and wrong, and through his own integrity, he set a fine example. When hardship found his own father owing a longtime neighbor for barn materials over fifty years ago, Bob simply could not rest. After paying off the debt himself, he discovered peace. A very organized individual, Bob did everything with perfect precision, but did so in a very slow manner, often testing the patience of his family and others!

Bob's unending faith was evident to all. They attended Pilgrim United Methodist Church, and next to reading his bible, Bob enjoyed the newspaper, too. Never shy about sharing his faith with others, it was truly the most important part of his life. He genuinely cared about people and was always willing to help anyone in need. He and Kathryn shared a heart for missions and together offered their helping hands on mission trips to Haiti, Africa and Belize. While in Haiti, Bob was so moved he gave his own shoes away. As a great listener, he was also a fine counselor, not only for his kids and grandkids, but for their friends as well.

Over the years Bob and Kathryn enjoyed square dancing with the Maple Twirlers and as a family they traveled often in their trailer. For years they took part in the annual Labor Day walk across the Mackinaw Bridge which became a fun filled family tradition. In time he and Kathryn enjoyed wintering in Edinburgh, Texas for seven months each year, but were always grateful to return home to the family they missed and loved.

Not one for much laughter except when he'd try telling a joke, Bob rarely finished a punch line because he could hardly contain his laughter! He loved a good game of cards, but usually followed his own set of rules. In fact, he won both games he played the very night before his death. At the age of 89, Robert E. Peck died on Thursday, June 23, 2011 and ventured on to receive his heavenly reward.

Bob lived by example with integrity and accountability. With his conscious as his guide and girded in faith, he had the patience of few which will be dearly missed.

Robert is survived his wife Kathryn; daughter, Dianna K. (Robert) Honeywell; son, Douglas R. (Betty Jo) Peck Sr.; grandchildren: Sheryl (Eric) Farrington, Michael (Kathy) Honeywell, Judy (Rob) Johnson, Rachael (Stephen) Copley, Rebecca (Chris) Pugsley, Doug Peck Jr., twelve great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Brenden Copley; two brothers, Austin and Duain Peck.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 27, 2011, 11:00 AM at Pilgrim United Methodist Church with Pastor Kenneth Bremmer and Pastor Brian K. Sheen officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, 6-8 PM and Sunday, 2-4 PM at The Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim United Methodist Church. To learn more about Robert, view his Life Story film, submit a favorite memory, photo and sign his online guest book, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/71451. The family is being served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.