John David Peck

(John) David Peck David Peck, longtime proprietor of Posse East, and its predecessor, the Posse West, passed away June 8, 2011. He was 64 years old, and had operated businesses around The University of Texas at Austin for over 40 years. A native of Houston, born February 6, 1947, Peck came to Austin in the mid 1960s to pursue Chemical Engineering and Business degrees in the Plan II Honors Program. In 1968, armed with a vision and a $1400 loan, Peck turned the recently closed Rio Grande Gas Station (located at 24th and Rio Grande) into "Posse Drive-Thru Beverages" - the first enterprise of its kind near UT Campus. As West campus began to grow, Peck expanded the drive-thru business into one of the most successful West campus bar and restaurants of the 1970s-80s - The Posse West, which he operated until 1983. He used the Posse West concept to create its cross campus sibling, the Posse East, in 1971. David served as a friend, mentor, coach, and confidante to several generations of employees and customers. He had many varied interests and was a true self-made man and entrepreneur. He loved traveling in his sailboat around Lake Travis and the Caribbean, where he never met a stranger. He believed in helping people, offering them a great place they could go that provided them good food and good service, and making them feel at home. His quick wit, wisdom, and his benevolent nature endeared him to many dear friends who grieve his passing. Indeed, they are his family. If asked, many would speak of a quiet conversation resulting in a small loan to complete that semester's tuition, or some help to make that month's rent or pay groceries. Others would speak of advice they received, or a phone call made on their behalf, or a job reference made when one was needed. David never, it seems, could say "no." This generosity extended to everyone, as he opened the doors of the Posse East on many holidays offering free food to all, and especially those without family. His pride and joy was "The Posse," the ever-popular home of award-winning hamburgers, pit- cher beer, and Longhorn Spirit, which has long been familiar territory to University of Texas engineers, law students, members of the Longhorn Band, and game day fans. The Posse recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, an occasion marked by a huge reunion of former staff and customers who all came to visit with Peck and recall fond memories of times spent there. Though ill, he was able to see them all, a memory that will be treasured by those he leaves behind. David was preceded in death by his parents, John Edmond Peck and Louie Will Sims; his stepmother, Myrel Nelson Peck; and his beloved cousin, Michael Drew Elliott. He is survived by cousins Patrick Royal Elliott of Brenham, Karen Dawn Elliott Smith of Henderson, Janell Elliott Ross of Austin, and from the Houston area stepsisters Maggie Calzada, Shirley Garza, Freda McClelland, Dolly Walker, and stepbrothers Lamar and Patrick Nelson. David left behind a lifelong set of friends who will carry on his legacy. He was a selfless man whose joy came from serving others, through food, drink, and camaraderie. He will truly be missed. Please celebrate his life and wish him well in his place of rest.