Howard Daniels Peck

Born on February 25, 1923 in Middletown, Connecticut, Howard grew up as the only child of Grace Daniels Peck and Horace Howard Peck. He passed away on January 14, 2013, one month shy of his 90th birthday. As the first in his family to attend college, Howard entered Yale University in 1941. While at Yale on scholarship, Howard was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After WW II broke out, Howard attempted to enlist in the U.S. Navy and Air Force but, was denied due to his asthma history. In June 1943, his college life was successfully interrupted when he "understated" his medical background to the Army. His college curriculum led him to be assigned to an Army Engineering Corps in Alaska, constructing airfields near the Bering Sea in anticipation of a Russian invasion. Discharged in 1945 Howard re-enrolled in Yale, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering in 1948 but, remained associated with what has been called the War Class of 1945.

For the next 15 years, Howard was employed by DuPont in the textile fibers division. In 1952, he married Mary Jenifer (Polly) Thomas and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage until her death in 2005. It was during his tenure with DuPont in NYC, Charlotte and Wilmington, that they had three sons - Doug, Hoddy and Robby.

In 1963, Howard made a career decision to move his family to the Park Cities in Dallas during the heyday of the Dallas apparel industry. Officing in the new Dallas Apparel Mart, he worked as the Regional Sales Manager for Klopman Mills (ultimately Burlington Industries) - a career that lasted until his retirement in 1986. He served as President of the Dallas Textile Club and President of the Southwest Association of Textile Manufacturers (SWATM). Howard spent his free time enjoying the activities of his sons - Boy Scouts, Highland Park Football, St. Mark's Swimming, water skiing at Lake Texoma and snow skiing in Colorado, there never was a road trip he would not take. He was a former member of the Lakewood Country Club and Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. He and Polly enjoyed retirement life at Lakeside Village in Rockwall for over 20 years. Golf, boats, card parties and birthday "quarterlies" with family and friends were normal activities at "Camp Rockwall." He was an active participant at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (personally making and delivering PBJ sandwiches to Austin Street Center well into his 80s), the Lakeside Village Homeowners Association and the Residents Board at Monticello West.

Howard stayed true to his humble beginnings, was appreciated for his hard work ethic and often wrote carefully crafted letters to CEOs on how they could provide better customer service. He was a thoughtful man who was as interested in discussing politics and the stock market as he was showing up at a social event in a white dinner jacket with a hostess gift in hand. But, most of all, Howard was a dedicated family man who tenderly cared for Polly during her illness. He was the finest example of a father to his three sons who survive him: Doug Peck and his wife Maggie; Hoddy Peck and his wife Carolyn; and Rob Peck and his wife Amy. Blessed with seven grandchildren who adored him, Howard was a proud spectator at all their events and a constant presence in the lives of Allison and Brian Peck; Sam and wife Katie Peck and Jock Peck; and Trevor, Preston and Davis Peck. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Edwin. H. Thomas, Jr. (Doris) of Palatka, FL; brother-in-law Brent McCullough (Karen) of Bellevue, WA; Connecticut cousins Bill Daniels (Jess), Bet Moore (Tom) and Jane Mazzotta (Guy). The family is grateful to the staff at Monticello West who cared for Howard for the past two years.

A service in remembrance of Howard's life will be held on Friday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Austin Street Center, P.O. Box 710729, Dallas, TX 75371.