Russell Jeffers Peck

Russell Jeffers Peck, 95, of Marshall, died on Sunday, February 13, 2022, in the comfort of his home following a short illness.

Mr. Peck was born February 13, 1927, in Nickles Hospital, Battle Creek, Michigan to Harold Alexander Peck and Salome Ann (Baxter) Peck, who have preceded him in death. He lived in Battle Creek with his parents, until 1936 where he attended PS #9 (Post Addition School). The family then moved to their 115-acre farm south of Marshall. Mr. Peck attended grade school at the Wright School (named after his great-great grandfather Julius Wright, and family), Fredonia Township. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1945.

In January 1945, during World War II, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy (USNR-V6). He completed boot camp at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of boot camp, he was sent to Treasure Island, California where he was engaged in the commissioning of a new ship. Prior to the commissioning of that ship the Japanese were defeated, surrendered, and World War II ended. He was one of the thousands that celebrated that surrender in the streets of San Francisco. He was then assigned to a Troop Transport (USS ADMIRAL W.P. SIMS AP-127) and engaged in bringing troops back to the United States from the Philippine Islands. After making several such trips he was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Alameda, in the Naval Air Transportation, Pacific, Oakland Liaison Office. In July 1946, he was released from active duty at the separation center at Shoemaker, California and returned to Marshall. He then worked at the former A-B Stove Company for several months. Having decided to make the Navy a career, he terminated that employment and reenlisted in the Navy and completed over 21 years of service prior to retirement in October 1966. During that period, he served in many commands. Most notably, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, D.C.; USS SALEM (CA-139) in the European Theater; NATO (AFSOUTH), Naples, Italy; PAMI, Great Lakes, Illinois; JUSMAG, Bangkok, Thailand; USS FRONTIER, Long Beach, California, and several minor commands. He retired with distinction and honor.

Upon his retirement from the Navy, he sought employment with Eaton Corporation, Marshall. He worked in the factory for several years then became a company guard for fourteen years and in payroll for three years. He retired in 1986 after nineteen years employment.

Mr. Peck belonged to the Moose Lodge 676; USS SALEM Association; Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 4; Farm Bureau and AARP. He was also a member of the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek since November 1932.

Mr. Peck enjoyed traveling, working on his yard, working in the garden and being with his friends. He enjoyed doing family research through genealogy. He traced his PECK family line back many generations in England to the year 1273. He was descended from an old and prominent New England family who emigrated to America in 1637 on the ship Hector. The Peck’s first settled in, and were organizers of, what is known as “The New Haven Colony”, Connecticut and a few years later moved to Milford, Connecticut. A third generation of that family settled in the town of Newtown, Connecticut. Mr. Peck’s great-great grandfather, Minot Peck, and his family moved from Newtown in 1841 and settled in Calhoun County, Sheridan Township.

He is survived by his nephew, Lee E. (Phylis) McNary of Peoria, Arizona and his niece, Charleen E. (David) Porrell of Sun City, Arizona and Ovid, Michigan; his special friends, Michael K. Johnson of Battle Creek and Jon D. (Jessica) Mack of Marshall; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister, Jeane Ellen (Charles) McNary.

A graveside service will be held to honor Mr. Peck on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Battle Creek Memorial Park, 2435 W. Territorial Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015, Rev. Nate Craddock officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 U.S. Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Friends who wish, may make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice or the First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. You may visit https://kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or share a favorite memory.