George Peo

George E. Peo, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

He was born George Edwin Hammond on Dec. 7, 1923, in Wheaton, Ill., to Fern Peo Hammond and Archibald Hammond. He was orphaned at age 8 and was adopted and raised by his grandparents, John H. and Cordie A. Peo. He and Margaret Boghosian were married March 11, 1945.

He served in the Navy during World War II.

George worked as a photogrammetric cartographer at the Defense Mapping Agency more than 30 years, ending his career in 1986 as a supervisory cartographer. He earned a bachelors degree from Washington University and two masters degrees from Southern Illinois University.

He was widowed in 1986 and married Dr. Myra Morris in 1987.

He is survived by George E. Peo Jr. (Carol) of Stow, Mass., Margaret L. Peo of Palos Hills, Ill., Robert P. Peo of Edwardsville, Ill., Stanley Crandall Morris of Torrance, Calif., Elizabeth Morris Hendrickson (Gary) of Mesa, Ariz., Bonnie Morris Hollenbeck of Mendota Heights, Minn.; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was able to travel extensively after his retirement and was active throughout his life in many organizations, often serving in leadership positions. He was a member of VFW, Boy Scouts of America (Edwardsville and Cape Girardeau), University of Illinois Dad's Association (president), St. John's Methodist Church (church council), Toastmasters (district governor), Cape Habitat for Humanity (president), Jackson Tourist Railroad, Masons, Shriners (president of the club) and First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau (deacon and elder).

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to service time Saturday at First Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. at the church, with the Revs. Paul Kabo and Alexandra Hendrickson officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum at a later date.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.