Robert Peters, Sr.

Lt. Col (USAF Ret.) Robert M. Peters, Sr., of Pataskala, passed away on December 7, 2013,at the age of 96, at his home after a long battle with dementia. He was born August 1, 1917 to Charles John and Helen Pauline (McCloud) Peters in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Muskingum College, where he met the love of his life, Olive F. McKelvey. They were married in 1941 and shared a wonderful life for 68 years.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters: Patricia Wattam and Elizabeth (Betty) Snowdon; along with his son Charles Lawrence Peters. He is survived by son Robert (Meneva) Peters, Jr., grandchildren Jean, Deborah, Robert Peters III, great grandchildren Troy (Leigha) Gromley and Meneva Ann Hoffman, daughter-in-law Dorothea Jahne Peters, cousin and best friend Charles Martin Wesley, several other cousins, nieces and nephews.Robert was a veteran of WWII, with a long tour in Norwich, England as an armament officer of the Army Air Corps. After the war, he got his Masters degree in Education. He taught at Linsly Military Institute in Wheeling, WV for seventeen years where he and Olive were dorm parents. He then taught fifteen years at Bexley High School, Bexley, OH. Robert inspired many young people to reach for their dreams. He loved sharing his skills in History, English, Drama, Speech, Debate and Riflery. He retired from the Air Force Reserves in 1977 and from teaching in 1979. Retirement was spent in Oxford, Fl., where they took up many hobbies including bicycling, painting and square dancing.Robert was raised a Master Mason in 1946 in Weyer Lodge in Belmont County. He remained a member there for 67 years. He held positions of leadership in various Masonic organizations including White Shrine, Baya Grotto, Bahia Shrine, York Rite and the Ohio Eastern Star. He was State president of the High Twelve clubs of Florida in 1989 and International Vice President of High Twelve in 1992.A Scottish Rite Mason, Illustrious Brother Robert M Peters, Sr., was invested a KCCH in 1987 and coroneted a 33rd degree in 1993. He served as a Trustee for the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida for over 10 years.He said one day, I never thought I would live to see 96 years, nor live to see a century of history.His family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. at The HOSKINSON Funeral and Cremation Service, 285 E Main St. in Kirkersville, where Masonic Services will follow at 6:45 p.m. and Funeral Services celebrating his amazing life will follow at 7:00 p.m. Burial with Full military honors will follow on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Olive.Memorials in his memory may be directed to Pataskala Lodge #404 F & AM, PO Box 404, Pataskala, Ohio 43062.Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service, Kirkersville, is honored to care for the Peters family. www.hoskinsonfuneral.com