Robert Wayne Peterson, age 91, of Jackson, passed away Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Holzer Medical Center in Jackson, Ohio. He was born in the beginning of the Great Depression on March 21, 1930, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Oscar and Mabel (Ludders) Peterson. Bob spent his boyhood summers working on his grandmother’s farm. He graduated from Hammond High School and later received his bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University while starting a family. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Bob and wife, Eleanor, moved to Jackson County in 1983 while employed by Jeno’s, and they made Jackson County their home for the next 38 years. He was employed in the field of Occupational Safety. Bob was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston, where he served as a Eucharistic minister and a teacher’s aide, along with being a member of the parish council and the Knights of Columbus. Following his retirement, Bob became active with the Jackson and Vinton Habitat for Humanity, where he served on the board for nearly 20 years and organized and oversaw the construction of 17 houses in Jackson and Vinton Counties. Bob also served as a board member with the Jackson County United Fund and was once a member of the Jackson Lion’s Club and a Boy Scout leader.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Eleanor Feeney Peterson, whom he married on May 17, 1952; son, Mark Peterson; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Cathy Peterson Thomas; and son, David Peterson.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, his body was cremated. Burial will be at a later date in St. John’s Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com