Fowlerville News and Views Online

Richard Allen Peckens

    Richard Allen Peckens, 88, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Born to R.E and Martha Peckens of Cohoctah on August 28, 1931, he graduated from Howell High School in 1949 and served in the United States Air Force as a Pararescueman in the Korean War from 1950-1954. As a medic, he jumped out of airplanes saving lives behind enemy lines.  Often referred to as the quiet professionals or guardian angels, Richard adhered to the Pararescueman motto of “These things we do that others may live.” After his military service he graduated from Michigan State University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ag Economics where he met his bride of 63 years, Virginia Carson Peckens. 
     Together they built a life on the farm in Fowlerville where they had five children. After college he worked for Airway Underwriters, the Federal Land Bank, R.E. Peckens Oliver Dealership, and owned Peckens Realty and The Grand Agency in Fowlerville.  He farmed until he was 86 years old. 
    He had a passion for flying and earned his pilot’s license in 1954, enjoying a lifetime of flying with his family from east to west and north to south. Escaping a close call while flying over Lake Michigan and an emergency landing on the highway in Traverse City, Virginia decided ground school would be a good idea and learned how to land the plane, just in case.
     He served on the Fowlerville Public School Board of Education, the Livingston County Aeronautical Facilities Board, was a member of the Fowlerville Rotary, a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion, and belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Fowlerville. 
    He is survived by his wife, Virginia; three children, Virginia (Stan) Raines, Rex (Amy) Peckens, Melissa (Bobby) Hart; four siblings, Rex (Linda) Peckens, Janet Peckens, Judy (Ron) Kay, Mary (David) Drew; grandchildren, Tim (Laura) Stene, John (Kelsey) Stene, Tom (Emily) Stene, Aaron Stene, Raynor Stene, Josh Peckens, Adam Peckens, J.W. Hart, Luke Hart, Sarah Hart, Jake Hart; and nine great-grandchildren. 
    He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jack Peckens; and two sons, Timothy John Peckens and Matthew Adam Peckens  
    Visitation was held on Thursday, March 12, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.  Funeral service took place on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Herrmann Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Tarpley officiating.  Military Honor followed the funeral service.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Fowlerville FFA or the Fowlerville Library. Online condolences may be expressed at pjherrmannfuneralhome.com