Chester "Chet" Peek

November 11, 1920 – October 18, 2022

The following was posted on the 95th Bomb Group Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

In deep sadness, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association announce that Chester “Chet” Peek of Evergreen, CO, left formation today, 18 October 2022, aged 101 years. Chet was original cadre of the 95th and served as 412th engineering officer for the war’s duration. Chet’s older son, Stanley Chester Peeks kindly wrote Linda Endris of his father’s passing.

Chet was born on a farm in Paullina, IA, on 11 November 1920. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1942 and as a member of the school’s ROTC program. His degree qualified him for a maintenance officer position. In that capacity, he joined the 95th at Rapid City.

While at Iowa State, Chet met Marian Ester. Six weeks after they both graduated in 1942, Marian with a teaching degree, the pair married. The couple separated for over two years, as Chet served in the 8th Air Force in England, but theirs was a binding love; the Peeks were married for 74 years before Marian’s passing in December 2016 at 97 years old.

At the end of WWII, Chet and Marian moved to Sioux City, IA, where they lived for 20 years. In 1965, they moved to Oklahoma City, OK. Later, they moved to Norman. Marian obtained her master's degree and was a counselor at Moore High School while Chet obtained his PhD and was a professor at the University of Oklahoma. They enjoyed the social life at the university, especially the Friday evening dances. Marian and Chet raised two boys. In addition to their sons, the Peeks leave five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In his spare time, Chet became a respected authority on vintage aircraft. He owned thirty-one planes, many of them restored with the help of his wife. He was the author of six aviation history books that ensure him a lasting legacy in the field.

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