(04/05/41 - 10/22/15)

G. Richard Peck, 74 of Chillicothe, passed from this life at Signature Healthcare of Chillicothe Nursing Home at 6:00 am on October 22, 2015 following an extended illness.

He was born April 5, 1941 in Chillicothe, Ohio, to the late Guy Maynard and Mary Filsinger Peck.  He is survived by his wife, Susie of Chillicothe; son Jeffrey M. Peck of Sarahsville, OH; daughters Jody (Fred) McLaughlin of Johnstown, Ohio; Julie (Carter) Evans of Summerfield, FL.   Step-children Kimberly Hale of Circleville, OH; Gary L. (Jodi) Myers of Shelby, Oh; Kelley Blankenship (Josh) of Chillicothe, Oh.  Grandchildren Kelly and Craig McLaughlin; Courtney (Richard) Beck; John and Aaron Beidelschies; Amanda (Jon) Krouse; Brittany, Breanne, and Brice Hale; Corey (Ashley) and Taylor Blankenship; Keira, Shane, and Travis Myers as well as Great Grandchildren Eilley Rose, Brantley, Parker Cash, Nova Rose, Ryder, Spencer, and Mason.  Brother and sister-in-law Dennis M. Peck and Carol Davis of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Brothers-in-law Ivan (Gerlene) Adams and Hobert Adams of Willard, OH;  Kenneth (Kathy) Adams of Panama City, FL  and Fred (Sandra) Capelle.  Sisters-in-law Helen (Edwin) Bannworth and Marilyn Loney of Willard; Carol/Lainie (Paul) Boring of Jasper, GA; and Linda Sly of Fairborn, OH.  Many, many special nieces and nephews whom he loved spending time with. His faithful and loving pets, “Gordy” and Holly”.  He was pre-deceased in death by his nephew, Douglas M. Peck.

Richard graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1959. He attended The University of Cincinnati as well as Ashland College majoring in Engineering, . He began his career working at  Mead Paper Company, moving onto Telecommunications with Chillicothe Telephone Company, United Telephone Company, Mansfield, Oh and Sprint Corporation, Johnson City, TN.  He and his wife Susie relocated to Chillicothe from Tennessee in l991 after purchasing Vickers Photographic Studio which they operated until 2001.

Richard was an avid photographer, local historian, and author with four publications to his credit. Historical booklets “The Rise and Fall of Camp Sherman”, 1968 and “Chillicothe Yesterday”, 1972. His book “Images of America, Chillicothe, Ohio” was published in 1991. He had a particular interest in the history of Camp Sherman, a World War I-era training camp located in his hometown of Chillicothe. This inspired him to write his most recent publication, “Camp Sherman: Ohio’s World War I Soldier Factory” completed August 2014. He loved the rich history of Chillicothe and was quick to engage anyone in conversation that shared this interest. He enjoyed a second hobby for many years with his father and his railroad friends; Steam Model Railroading; building engines, cars and a complete train lay-out from scratch and entering displays at the Ross County Fair. Upon retiring in 2006, he enjoyed traveling with Susie and watching movies together, especially those movies filmed in states, countries, or cities where they shared wonderful times. He enjoyed playing Bridge with friends around the Bridge Table and was always eager to bid a “Slam”. Richard was always pleased to heat up the BBQ grill for family and friends to enjoy his specialties of Shish-Kabobs and Grilled Corn on the Cob. Richard’s philosophy throughout his life has been “worry about the things you can fix, and let go of those you cannot”.  He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

The family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to the Administrators, Nurses, Aides and all staff at Signature Healthcare of Chillicothe for everything they do daily, not only for us, but everyone. Your dedication and special care of Richard gave him and the family much comfort and peace throughout this journey. Many thanks also to the James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH and the Chillicothe Cancer Center for all their specialized care and compassion.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at the FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME WITH Pastor Kurt King officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ross County Historical Society or Trinity United Methodist Church Relay for Life Team.

The Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.