Judge Edward M. Peek graduated from Roosevelt in June 1952. He played football for four years where he was the starting Quarterback and Defensive Back his Junior and Senior years. He was also on the track team for four years.

After graduating, Judge Peek attended Southwest Missouri State College (now Missouri State University), in Springfield, MO, for one year playing on their football team. He then transferred to Washington University, playing football there for two years until he suffered a broken leg, ending his playing days. Judge Peek graduated from Washington University in 1956, with a B.A. in Business Administration. Judge Peek was a member of the school’s ROTC program, graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, as a 1^st Lieutenant, serving for two years.

Judge Peek worked for the Internal Revenue Service as an estate and gift tax examiner all the while attending St. Louis University’s Law School at night. He graduated with his law degree in February 1965. Judge Peek joined a private law firm before working as an Associate City Counselor for the City of St. Louis in 1970. In this capacity, Judge Peek represented the City in a variety of legal roles, issuing legal opinions, managing civil litigation, and prosecuting violators of various city ordinances.

1n 1982, then Governor Christopher Bond appointed Judge Peek to be a Circuit Court Judge in the City of St. Louis. Judge Peek recalled telling his interviewers that he was “not a legal genius but would treat people with respect.” He lived by those words for the next 19 years, until his 2001 retirement. During this period, Judge Peek presided over five hundred criminal and civil trials along with approving many criminal plea agreements and out of court civil case settlements. Although there are no documents to verify this, Judge Peek was told by colleagues, upon his retirement, that he had the lowest reversal percentage of any other active judge. Not having decisions reversed by an appellate court is quite an accolade and is a point of pride for judges.

Judge Peek has been married to his wife, Lois, for 55 years. They have three children and ten grand and great grandchildren.

The Alumni Association is honored to induct Judge Peek into the Hall of Fame for his career in the Judicial field. He exemplifies what a true Rough Rider represents and is a credit to the Roosevelt High School community.