Merlin Larry Peck

Born the ninth of 11 children, he was raised on a potato farm in Melba, Idaho, where he learned the meaning of hard work and teamwork. A farm accident in August 1958 made it impossible for him to go to the University of Idaho to play football. He entered The College of Idaho without a clear goal. A caring teacher guided him into chemistry. He graduated in 1962 and entered graduate school at Montana State University, where he earned a doctoral degree.

Larry left Montana to begin a teaching career at Lake Superior State College. Three years later, he left for the University of Arizona where, as well as lecturing, he had the opportunity to help develop a guide to aid other teachers. That guide was very instrumental in his obtaining a position with the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C. There, Larry developed audio and video courses for training chemical technicians. The experience at ACS led to his receiving an offer from Texas A&M to return to teaching and to develop curriculum materials for laboratory programs. His videotaped lab instructions have been viewed by more than 100,000 Aggies. At TAMU, he had the opportunity to contribute to textbooks, lab manuals, instructors' guides and solutions guides, all designed to help others become better teachers.

The first-year chemistry textbook he co-authored is currently in its 10th edition and was one of the more frequently used introductory college chemistry texts at both American and international schools. For the last eight years of his tenure at TAMU, he was director of the freshman chemistry programs. He won the Catalyst Award (a national award for excellence in chemistry teaching) presented by the Chemical Manufacturers Association in 2000; Texas A&M's Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in chemistry teaching in 2002; and the Division of Chemical Education's Outstanding Service to the Division Award in 2007. Until his retirement, Peck was very active in science teaching at all levels and directed programs designed to improve the teaching of physical science programs. He had the opportunity to teach in Japan, Tallahassee, Fla., Tempe, Ariz., at Kent State and to lead summer workshops in many states. He wanted all students to enjoy science. He traveled throughout Texas to schools to present a chemistry road show.

In 2006, Larry retired to Lewiston, where he enjoyed fishing, traveling, woodworking, volunteering and spending time with family and friends. He was very proud of his family and loved them unconditionally. Survivors are Sandra Hill Peck, his wife of 52 years; daughters Molly Levine and Marci (Robert) Culp; grandchildren Grace Mason, Benjamin (Sabrina) Levine, Ruth and Rebecca Levine, and Claire and David Culp; great-granddaughter Lorah Mason; siblings Joanne Fankhauser and Frank Peck; and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the donor's charity of choice or to the Larry Peck Endowment for Chemical Education fund. Write Account 57691 on the check memo line and mail it to Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.