Floyd Peck

A hardworking, even-keeled, and driven man, Floyd Peck lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He had a great sense of humor and loved sharing a good laugh with those around him whenever he could. Floyd was deeply devoted to his family, and he treasured his family more than anything else. He took his roles as a husband and father to heart, but he just may have argued that nothing was better than being a grandfather many times over. Life will never be the same without him here, but Loyd leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in honesty, integrity, and hard work that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods while manufacturing was focused on supporting the war effort. In the midst of this eventful time, Roy and Ada DeForest Peck shifted their focus to an exciting time in their lives as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the last days of summer drew to a close in Three Rivers, Michigan in 1942. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Floyd was born on September 1st. He was the middle of three children in his family as he was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Harold, and his sister, Beatrice. His father worked a a foundry while his mother worked at Welch’s in Lawton. Floyd was a student at local schools and also worked in the cafeteria during high school in order to earn a little extra spending money.

After graduating from high school, Floyd joined the Air Force. It was while stationed in Texas that his life was forever changed as it was there that he met the love of his life. Her name was Paula Hopper, and they were introduced through her sister, Peggy. It wasn’t long after meeting that the couple found themselves deeply in love. About six months later, the sweethearts were married in the Calvary Baptist Church in Denison on June 28, 1966, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 49 years. Together they welcomed two daughters including Laura and Ann into their hearts and home. To support his family Floyd made a career at Welch's. He enjoyed his work there, retiring in 2002 after 23 years.

In 1970 the Peck family moved to Lawton, and this is where Floyd spent the rest of his life. He enjoyed his work, but he always looked forward to coming home to his family. When the kids were young they often took vacations to Texas to visit Paula’s family. It was a 20 hour car trip, which could get a bit hairy at times, but now the memories made while on those trips are among the ones they love most. Among the most valuable lessons Floyd passed on to his children were done so by the example he set in working hard, the importance of saving, and to be prompt in paying bills.

Always one to be busy, Floyd was a man of many interests. He was into photography from the time he was in the Air Force. Over the years he chronicled much of his life in pictures, creating priceless keepsakes of family memories. They didn’t travel much, but he and Paula did take a Caribbean cruise with a stop in Jamaica. Floyd liked both vegetable and flower gardening, reading all kinds of magazines, and collecting coins. In fact, he had every proof set from 1967 to the present day. As someone who loved to laugh, Floyd enjoyed shows like Married With Children, and he also liked movies with both Cheech and Chong as well as Leslie Nielsen. He primarily liked country music, but he also liked Peter, Paul and Mary and Anne Murray. After retiring, Floyd liked visiting yard sales, going to the casinos, and gathering for informal reunions with his Air Force buddies as catching up with old friends was always a favorite pastime. When his grandchildren were younger, Floyd babysat them whenever he could.

Later in life Floyd faced some trying times. He had various health problems including losing part of his leg in 2010 and being on dialysis for years. In 2015 he was deeply saddened with the death of his beloved wife, and later that same year he lost part of his other leg. Needing more care, Floyd spent some time living with both of his daughters.

Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Floyd Peck found his greatest source of pride and joy in his children and grandchildren. Quiet and thoughtful, he made such a significant impact in the lives of everyone he met. Floyd experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, but what made these experiences truly extraordinary was sharing them with the ones he loved. Although he will be deeply missed, Floyd leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.

Floyd Peck, of Lawton, died on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Members of Floyd’s family include his 2 children: Laura (Daniel Sr.)Murray and Ann Williams, 3 grandchildren: Daniel Murray Jr., Elizabeth Murray and Phoenix Williams; brother, Harold Peck; and sister, Beatrice Mortimore. Floyd was preceded in death by his wife, Paula in 2015. The family will have an open house to celebrate Floyd’s life on Sunday, November 6th starting at 2 p.m. at the Big T Restaurant, 155 Main St., Lawton. Please visit Floyd’s personal memory page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of Floyd and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation. Arrangements by the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw (657-3870).