Merle E. Peck
Merle E. Peck, 78, of Uniontown, Pa., crossed over to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 25, 2002, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. His loving family was with him. Merle lived a full and vibrant life. He was born March 9, 1924, the son of the late Samuel D. and Mary A. Pritts Peck.
A lover of baseball and a talented player, he was known by his boyhood nickname “Rookie” to his friends in his hometown of Indian Head.
A veteran of World War II, Merle entered the U.S. Army Air Corp in December, 1942. He was a member of the famed General Chennault’s Flying Tigers and achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He piloted the B-24 Liberator, “Time Will Tell”, in the China/Burma/India Theatre for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also received The Air Medal, One Oak Leaf Cluster, 7 Campaign Battle Stars, Chinese National Medal, Unit Presidential Citation with Medals due him of 2 more Oak Leaf Clusters. It was a time in his life he did not often discuss, but of which he and his family were quite proud. Merle graduated from Connellsville High School in 1942. He was a 1959 graduate of Waynesburg College, and held a Masters Degree Equivalency in secondary guidance from West Virginia University. He was a secondary school teacher in the Connellsville Area School district. He also maintained an insurance business in downtown Uniontown for many years.
An avid outdoorsman, Merle hunted and fished all over the U.S. and Canada, and was never happier than on the first day of a season. His family will especially cherish the memories of time spent with him at Camp Mohawk, a hunting cabin he shared with friends in Cook Forest. He was a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America and served as chairperson of the Old Trails Council. Merle loved all sports and spent many happy hours participating in, coaching and watching, especially baseball, football, hockey and in later years, golf.
Merle was a devoted Christian and an active member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Uniontown. He served the church in many capacities over the years including Sunday School Teacher, chair of the finance committee and Bethel Bible Course leader. He was usually at the church when painting or other chores needed completed. Merle was chair of the Administrative Council and head usher when he became ill.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Ivan; and sisters, Berniece Pilarcik and Joy Zavatsky.
Merle is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Dorothy Johnson Peck, who was at his side throughout his illness. He was a caring father to Colleen Peck Zielinsky and her husband, Joe Zielinsky of Uniontown, Dr. Kevin Peck and his wife, Dr. Hillary Krizner Peck of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Attorney Brent Eric Peck of Uniontown. He was known as Pap Pap to Kyle and Caitlin Zielinsky of Uniontown, and Meryl, his namesake, and Elizabeth Peck of Scottsdale, Ariz. Also surviving are his sister, Irene Bigham of Mill Run; brothers, Delbert Peck of Crescent, Pa., Ronald Peck of Normalville, and Larry Peck of Mill Run; three nieces; and seven nephews.
Family and friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 East Green St., Connellsville, today from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of a funeral service, in the Calvary United Methodist Church, 34 Clark St., Uniontown, with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Whitehead officiating. A committal service and interment will be held at 3 p.m., in the Mt. Nebo Cemetery, Champion, Pa. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Calvary United Methodist Church, 34 Clark St., Uniontown, PA 15401.