Albert Ernest Peck

One of the last great cowboys rode into Heaven Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. There’s no doubt he saddled a horse or two the very moment he arrived. Albert Peck bought a saddle before he had a horse. After returning from his service in Korea where he was awarded the Bronze and Silver Star, Albert and his young bride Charleen became active in the Clinton Roundup Club. In the mid50s, Albert could be seen riding south on Hwy 183 to go to the Roundup Club Arena that was located near the fairgrounds. Funeral services for Albert Peck, 88, Clinton farmer/rancher and retired postal employee, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m., in the Center Point Cemetery located two miles west of Aledo, Oklahoma. Doyle Kinney will officiate and the services will be under the direction of Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home. Albert Ernest Peck was born Feb. 17, 1932, during a snow storm to A.M. (Pat) Peck and Opha (Addington) Peck near Rhea, Oklahoma, and passed away during a snow storm Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in his rural home east of Clinton, Oklahoma. Albert Peck was raised in the Aledo area and attended school at Center Point, Aledo and Leedey before moving to Clinton where he graduated in 1950. While in school, he enjoyed basketball and riding horses. His junior and senior years he worked for C.R. Anthony stores. Albert married Charleen Southerland on June 11, 1950. He sold his first horse to buy her engagement ring. Albert was soon called to the U.S. Army on Sept. 1, 1950, serving a duty in Korea and being Honorably Discharge with the rank of corporal on May 22, 1952. He continued his education attending Southwestern State College and received his business degree in May 1957. Albert worked a short time at a bank than began his career with the U.S. Postal Service where he retired in 1987, all the while farming, ranching, raising horses and a loving family. Albert was a member of the First Christian Church. He spent many years raising and breaking horses and serving as president of the Clinton Roundup Club. Albert and Charleen enjoyed dancing on Friday nights and playing Rook with friends on Saturday nights. They were married for over 70 years. Albert is preceded in death by his parents Pat and Opha Peck, brother Robert Peck, and a cousin he thought of as a sister Leta Mae Barr. He is survived by his wife Charleen of the home, daughter Leadell Baca and husband Bryan of Clinton, son Randal Peck and wife Arlea of Fay, son Larry Peck and wife Mary of Sentinel, a nephew they thought of as a son Perry Matz and wife Debbie of Clinton, sister-in-law Betty Peck of Shawnee, niece Bonnie Gilbert and husband David of Tulsa. He is survived by seven grandchildren: Tayler Hartman and husband Matt, Briley Baca and wife Kaci, Sarah Foster and husband Bryan, Chizum Peck and Katie Ronke, Brandy Pool Litsch and husband Jimmie; Lori Morton and husband Tyson, and Tyler Peck. Albert is survived by seven great-grandchildren: Timber Hartman; Jack, Ben and Sy Foster; Treylon, Trew and Spade Pool; McClayne Litsch; Trenton Morton; Shaelynn and Chase Peck. When we remember Albert, an old Red Steagall quote comes to mind. “Son, a man’s brand is his own special mark that says this is mine, leave it alone. You hire out to a man, ride for his brand and protect it like it was your own.” Albert took tremendous pride in his brand, and we will all honor him by riding for his brand in our own way. The title “Cowboy” can’t be bought down at the local store. “Cowboy” is earned. It’s the way you live and what you stand for. No matter who you ask, they will tell you Albert was without a doubt, “Cowboy.” Most cowboys just ride off into the sunset. Albert’s sunset days found him on his favorite horse Ghost gathering wheat pasture cattle. There’s no doubt that this “Cowboy” was spurrin’, ropin’ and ridin’ hard as he entered the gates of Heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Albert’s honor to the Clinton Roundup Club, P.O. Box 1553, Clinton, OK 73601.