Max Peck

Marion Max Peck, 74, of Thatcher, Arizona, passed away surrounded by family, Saturday, February 19, 2011, at Tucson Medical Center. He was born on August 3, 1936 in Pima, Arizona to Lavon N. and Hazel Belle Taylor Peck. He graduated from Pima High School in 1954. He earned an A.A. Degree from Eastern Arizona College in 1956 and attended Arizona State University (ASU) until his marriage in the Mesa LDS Temple to Alta Lines in August 1958. Max then attended the University of Arizona (U of A) graduating in 1960 receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education and Biological Sciences. Max later completed a Masters Degree in Business Administration at ASU. Max taught school and coached in Buckeye, Sanders, and Pima Arizona. He became the Principal of Pima Elementary School. In 1968 Max became the Principal of Thatcher High School and later became the Superintendent of Thatcher Unified Schools where he served for 21 years until he retired in 1995. During this time he also served on the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) in the position of B East President, B East Vice-President, Legislative council 12 years and 4 years on the Executive Board. In retirement Max has served on the Board of Directors of the Graham County Electric CO-OP (secretary), Graham County Utilities Southwest Transmission CO-OP, Trans Co. Reprisenative on Grand Canyon State Electric CO-Op Assc. He was also active in his community and church throughout his life. He is survived by his wife Alta L. Peck, son Steven (Lanae); son Jason (Joy); and six grandchildren; Melissa, Brock, Brittany, Tye, Brandon, Skyler; and his brother Nelson (Norma) Peck, numerous nieces and nephews and friend Carl (Verla) Wheeler. Max was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Laverna Evans, Vonda Pitrat, nephews Nolan Peck and Ike Pitrat, brother in law Vard Lines and sister in law Zeda Lines. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the Thatcher LDS Stake Center. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to services at the Church. Interment will be in the Pima Cemetery.