Frank Emerson Peck

Frank Emerson Peck, 95, died Saturday, May 31, 2014 in Fort Worth, Texas. Frank was born in Dallas, Texas on June 23, 1918. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University. He had lived in Abilene from 1951 to 2011. He retired in 1987 as president of Batjer and Associates after 36 years of service. Mr. Peck was a member and Elder of First Central Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (whose Abilene chapter awarded him Engineer of the Year in 1983), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was a veteran of World War II serving 42 months in the Army Air Corps and was a disabled veteran. During his lifetime, Frank enjoyed hunting and playing poker. He also enjoyed the lake house that he designed and built at Lake Brownwood. During his years in Abilene he frequently enjoyed lunch out with his friends. His favorite meal was the “Mr. Potato” at Square’s BBQ or Al’s Mesquite Grill. Later in life he enjoyed many years as an artist of metal sculpture. Many family members and friends have been recipients of his designs. Some of his larger pieces include a seven foot bronze cross in the First Central Presbyterian Church columbarium garden, a 14 foot steel cross on the First Central Presbyterian Church gymnasium and a five foot steel cross in the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth’s Youth Center which he designed and welded when he was 89 years old. Frank married Lois C. Jones in 1965. He was preceded in death by Lois and his first wife, Cloe. Also preceding him are his parents, Lillian and Ernest Peck of Michigan; sister, Hazel McGough; and brothers, George and Fred Peck. Survivors include his son, Paul Peck, of San Francisco; daughters, Martha Cunningham of Fort Worth, Pennie Peck of Atlanta and Julie Peck Bryan of San Antonio. Also included are sons-in-law, Jim Cunningham and Mark Jamieson; grandchildren, Whitney Cunningham, Sam Cunningham, Alexis and Charlie Cunningham; and great-granddaughter, Emerson Cunningham. The family wishes to thank Frank’s devoted friends, especially his lunch buddies and their patient wives. Also thanks to the James L. West Center in Fort Worth and the caregivers working there for helping Frank live with dignity while struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, and Community Hospice of Texas. Memorials may be sent to The Presbyterian Medical Care Mission, 1857 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601; The James L. West Center, 1111 Summit Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76102; The Alzheimer’s Association, 2630 West Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas, 76102; or donor’s charity of choice. Burial will be private. The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 6, at First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene with Dr. Clifford S. Stewart officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Texas. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service at the church.