Earl D. Peck

Earl D. Peck, age 84, passed away at his home in Tinley Park Illinois surrounded by his family Friday June 23, 2017. He was born on September 8, 1932 in Chicago Illinois to Earl Francis and Mabel (Jensen) Peck. The eldest of three children. On November 20, 1954 he married Beverly Osgar. In their marriage of 63 years they had one son and three daughters. Loving father of Earl (Diane) Peck of Dallas, Texas, Susan (Michael) Brown of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, Patricia Stanczik of Cape Coral, Florida, and Sandra Peck of Tinley Park, Illinois. Cherished grandfather of Zachary (Bree) Brown, Kathryn Brown and Ben Stanczik. Proud great grandfather of Max Brown. Earl served in the Navy during the Korean War from July 27, 1950 to August 31, 1953 aboard the USS Oriskany CVA 34 Aircraft Carrier or “The Mighty O. The “Mighty O” the last of the Essex-class carriers did three overseas deployments as part of Task Force 77 and the Carrier Air Group Twelve (CAG-12). It was the first aircraft carrier in history to round Cape Horn on June 29, 1952. It also sailed into motion picture history as the fictitious carrier, Savo: in the movie “The Bridges of Toko Ri” and again in James Michener’s “Men of the Fighting Lady.” He received the Combat Action Ribbon, the Good Conduct medal, European Occupation medal, Navy Occupation Service medal with ASIA clasp, China Service medal, National Defense Service medal, Korean Service medal, United Nations Service medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation Badge and Korean Service 2 Stars. Earl was Past Commander of Country Club Hills Post #1009; Past 16th District Commander; Member of Post #2791 of Tinley Park, IL; Member of Korean War Veterans Chapter #23; and Member of the Cooties Pup Tent #77 Kilroy. He truly lived life to the fullest and had uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and meaningful way that forever changed their lives. His special interests and hobbies included enjoying nature, gardening, woodworking, building and flying model airplanes, reading, community service and above all enjoying life and people. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beverly, their son Earl (Diane), three daughters; Susan (Michael), Patty, and Sandra; 3 grandchildren, one great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the south suburban Korean War Veterans Chapter #23 “Poppy Fund” C/O Bremen VFW Post 2791 17147 South Oak Park Avenue Tinley Park Illinois 60477. Family and friends will gather on Friday, July 7th at 9:30 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL for military honors.

Earl D. Peck

September 8, 1932 - June 23, 2017