Arthur Zeno Peoples was born on April 14th, 1923, in Petaluma, California, and passed away on Memorial Day, May 25th, 2015 at the age of 92, in Stockton, California. His parents were Curtis and Ella Peoples. He had one sister, Vivian Fannen, and two brothers, Vernett and Leslie Peoples, all whom have passed.
He attended local schools in Petaluma and graduated from Petaluma High School in June of 1941. After high school he attended the University of California in Berkeley for one semester, but later transferred to Santa Rosa Jr. College. He played baseball while he was at Santa Rosa Jr. College and graduated in June of 1943.
He was offered to enroll in a V-12 program at the College of the Pacific. For those who do not know, the V-12 program was a Naval program that was established by the War Department on university campuses during World War II to provide the Navy with a continuous supply of officers. He came to Stockton, California in July of 1943, graduated from the V-12 program in February of 1944, and was sent to Columbia University in New York City, New York, as a midshipman. He was commissioned as an Ensign, known in today’s terms as a second lieutenant, in June 1944.
While he was in New York City he met his future wife, Ruth Glenora Huling. He was sent to Portland, Maine and stationed on a minesweeper ship during the war. Arthur married Ruth on September 14, 1944, while on a 72 pass, and she joined him in Maine shortly thereafter. They were blessed to have been married for almost 71 years.
The war was almost at an end and he was discharged from the Navy in June of 1945. After being discharged from the military he returned to Petaluma, but moved back to Stockton in September 1945 in order to attend the University of the Pacific (UOP) under the G.I. Bill. Upon graduating from UOP with an Accounting Degree, he was offered a position at Hobbs Parsons Co. as office manager. He worked for the company for 16 years. When the company relocated to Fresno, Art decided to stay in Stockton and go back to college where he received his teaching credential. He ended up teaching at Glenwood School for 24 years as an 8th grade math teacher.
Art and Ruth had two wonderful sons, David and Steven Peoples. Both sons passed away in September 1999. Art was involved with Little League and Babe Ruth League during their sons early years.
Art was also the 2nd President of Sundown Little Leagues, was a member of the Lodi Masonic Lodge, No. 256, and the National Rifle Association. In his free time, Art greatly enjoyed the peacefulness of lake fishing with his close friends and family, working in his garden, and greatly loved sports.
Arthur had three grandsons, Joshua Peoples, Seth Peoples and Cory Peoples, and three granddaughters, Heather Peoples-Sali, Jamie Peoples-Morris, and Danielle Peoples-Petersen. He also had 14 great grandchildren.
Please add your condolences in the comments below.
VISITATION
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday May 29, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240
SERVICES
A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240.
