Kenneth Peacock

Kenneth (Ken) Leon Peacock, 91, from Bradenton, Florida, passed from this life on January 3, 2025. He was born July 24, 1933, in Winchester, Indiana to Ralph Clarkson Peacock and Frances M. Peacock. Ken graduated from Wayne High School in 1951 and went on to graduate from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in 1955. Ken then worked full time for Campbells Soup Company, RedGold Tomatoes and California Packing Company in Frankfort, Indiana, which was re-named Del Monte Corporation. He enjoyed several promotions while working for Del Monte by accepting transfers to Markesan, Wisconsin and then Sleepy Eye, Minnesota where he was promoted to Plant Superintendent. He was then transferred and promoted to Production Manager of the Del Monte plants in Plymouth, Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia. Ken stayed with Del Monte Corporation until his retirement in 1991.

Ken served his community in many ways, for example, as a member of the Toastmaster’s Club, member and chair of the Sleepy Eye Public School Board, a church member and leader in Methodist and other of his community churches, a member of the Sleepy Eye Lake improvement committee, and president of the Soybean Alliance of Indiana. He was a curious man who liked to try new things and was never timid about starting an innovative project around his home or a collaborative project at work, for example, the re-designing of the corn processing building at the Sleepy Eye Del Monte plant while he was plant superintendent.

Ken was most proud of his marriage and partnership with his wife, Marilyn V. Baker Peacock, whom he married in 1953. The union produced three daughters: Patricia Gayle Hendrich (Howard Hendrich), Elizabeth Susan Hippert, and Frances Louise Peacock (Tom Callanan). He loved his five grandchildren: Heather May DeJong, Angela Clare Hillesheim (deceased), Benjamin David Hillesheim, Bree Emily Molinari (Rachel), Melanie Thomas Jones-Peacock (Brad). Ken was blessed with 6 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. His two younger brothers, Donald Peacock (Myrna) and James Peacock (Beverly), both died in 2024.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Jericho Meeting in Winchester, Indiana, (Ken’s home church), or by planting a tree in Ken Peacock’s name, because he loved to plant trees.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rtsfunerals.com Palms Chapel.