Horace G. Peeples Former Grid Star Dies in Service
Davenport Boy, A Member of the Marines, Buried in Hawaii
Sgt. Horace G. Peeples, 21, former Davenport high school football and track star and member of the U.S. Marine Corps, died in the Pacific area, Dec. 11, of a cerebral concussion according to word received here today. He is the first Davenport colored boy to die in the service.
No details were contained in the message although it is presumed that he died of injuries. He was buried in Hawaii the message said.
Remembered by football fans here as one of the fastest halfbacks to ever play on a high school team. Peeples many times managed to dash around the ends and outrun the opposing team. He also starred in track during his high school days from 1939 to 1942.
Born in Davenport, March 19, 1923, he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Greely Peeples. The family lived at 1522 Judson street. After graduating from the high school in 1942 he attended the University of Iowa for a short time and enlisted in the Marines in April 1943. He received his training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and went overseas to the Pacific area in June 1944.
Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Ocie Piere and Mrs. Wila Mae Brooks, and thee brothers, Arvora 'Jerry' Peeples, James and Pvt. Grady Peeples, now in the army.
Source: The Daily Times, January 2, 1945 (photo included)
