Bob Peterson

Robert Lee Peterson was born on January 13, 1937, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to John Robert and Ethel Mae (Lee) Peterson. Bob went gently to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, surrounded by his loved ones, at Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, Missouri. Bob had suffered with many different illnesses throughout the past several years, but he never complained and his will to live was simply amazing.
Bob was raised in Mountain Grove and simply loved this town and its people. He graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1955. He graduated from Drury University in 1966 with a degree in business, which served him well over the years. He was proud to serve with the Missouri National Guard.
Bob was a devoted and proud Republican. He has never held a public office, never even ran for one. Bob has toiled at the grass roots level to promote Republican principles and elect Republican candidates. In the year 2000, Bob was awarded the Outstanding Republican Service Award, Republican of the Year in Wright County; this award was presented to Bob by the Wright County GOP. He was so proud to be awarded with this honor.
Not only has he served his political party well, Bob has served in this community throughout the years on various boards, committees and civic organizations.
A member of Kiwanis for over 35 years, Bob has held every office in that organization. He served on the Board of Directors of the Mountain Grove Industrial Park as President, Vice-President and Treasurer. Bob signed a personal note with others to establish the Mountain Grove Rural Fire Department and worked for the establishment of the Mountain Grove National Bank.
In 1985, Bob was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Project Central Park Committee which resulted in the restoration and refurbishment of Central Park, including the historic bandstand on the square. Upon completion, the park was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites and the committee was successful in securing then, Vice-President George Bush, to rededicate the bandstand on April 27, 1987.
In 1989, Bob became a Charter Member of the Mountain Grove Alumni Memorial Foundation and signed another personal note to borrow $20,000.00 to begin construction of the Alumni Park, one of the most unique parks to be seen anywhere. Bob continued to serve as President of that organization from 1992 until 2015.
Bobs efforts to preserve local historical sites, such as the Castle at the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station (which was scheduled Demolition), resulted in the beloved old building being added to the National Historic Register in Washington D.C. He served as a board member of the Wright County Historical Society.
Bob was instrumental in promoting, and campaigned for, the successful tax levy in Wright County (passed in 1984), to establish county-wide tax support for Unique Services Sheltered Workshop, as well as other county programs for the handicapped citizens of Wright County, Missouri.
Bob served as Board Member of the Tri-County Baseball Association and the Mighty Mite Football League, as well as coached in both organizations.
Bob served on the United Way Board of Directors, having served as Chairman. He served on the Board of Directors of Wedgewood County Club, and also served as a Board Member for the Mountain Grove Park Board.
Bob was a life-long member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, having served the Pastor-parish Relations Committee and the Finance Committee.
Bob married the love of his life, Yvonne Von Kay (Daniel) Peterson, on July 8, 1978, in front of his parents beautiful fireplace. They shared a special love for each other, which always shined brightly.
Bob was an avid float fisherman on the local streams and rivers. He enjoyed hunting when he had the time. He was a farmer and loved animals, cattle, horses, and dogs.
Bob was a partner with his father, John, in Mountain Grove Petroleum, Inc., doing business as Victory Oil Company. You could always find him at the DX station.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel Peterson and a host of family members and several friends.
Survivors are his beloved wife, Yvonne, (Von); his daughter: Laura and her husband, Rodger, of Kansas City, Kansas; his son: Robert and his wife, Valerie, of Springfield, Missouri; two grandsons; a very special brother-in-law: Pat Daniel of Wichita; a very special niece: Lacey Laird of Topeka, Kansas; a very special nephew: Michael Dreyer of Topeka, Kansas; and a large host of relatives and friends.
Bob was a respected member of our community, always offering help of any kind to anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.


Memorial Service: Friday, February 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the Trinity United Methodist Church of Mountain Grove.

Memorial Contributions: MGHS Alumni Memorial Foundation for the Alumni Park c/o the funeral home.