Robert M. Peterson, 86, of Olivia passed away February 27, 2019. He was born at home on May 2, 1932 in Olivia to Oscar “Alvin” Peterson and Ola Mae Huddleston Peterson. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, worked at Alcoa for 44 years, and raised cattle all his life. Robert was a member of the Calhoun County Cattleman’s Association, past Calhoun County Fair Board, and the VFW. He enjoyed working cows, hunting, fishing, livestock auctions, scratch-offs, playing 42, and visiting with people. Robert always preferred the outdoors, and he never let the grass grow around his feet. Until the end, he spent his time checking cattle, patching fence, and looking forward to spring. More than anything, he loved his family, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. If you knew him at all, you probably know who went to UT, Alabama, and A&M (WHOOP!), and what they accomplished along the way. He was a tough-as-nails cowboy with a soft heart for two little ballerinas, and he never missed a performance.
He is survived by his wife, Bessie Peterson, children, Kim Giese and husband David, Dennis Peterson and wife Montez, Lisa Peterson, and Gay Motl and husband Kenneth, grandchildren, Dallis Peterson, Cameron Giese and wife Stephanie, Dakota Peterson and fiancé Heidi, Rylan Giese, Dillon Peterson, August Motl, Gavin Peterson, Melbourn Motl and Stella Motl, and great-grandson, Barrett Giese.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David Peterson, and his twin sister, Roberta Barrier.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 1, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Services will military honors under the auspices of the Calhoun County Veterans Joint Honor Guard will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Holladay officiating. Special Thanks to Bobbie Vickery for his musical ministry. Burial will be held in Olivia Cemetery.
Pallbearers are his grandchildren, Dallis, Cameron, Dakota, Rylan, Dillon, August, Gavin, Melbourn, and Stella.
Honorary pallbearers are John Peterson, Dustin Peterson, T. Hensley Weaver, Freddie Woodland, Henry Zarate, Ruben Zarate, Laval Simons, Ronnie Kubecka, and Daniel Salinas-Anaya.
Memorial donations may be made to the Olivia Cemetery Association.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com.
