Robert George Peterson

On December 11, Robert "Bob" George Peterson, aged 97, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kazue, and their three adult children: Susan and husband Damon, Daniel, John and wife Tara. Additionally, Bob leaves behind six grandchildren - Avery, Kevin, Zachary and wife Abby, Alexander, Clayton and wife Kamber, and Samantha - and one great-grandchild, Palmer. Bob was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a distinguished veteran.

Born on November 29, 1926, in Winamac, Indiana, Bob's early years were marked by the challenges of the Great Depression. Despite financial hardships, he persevered and graduated from high school in May 1945. Shortly thereafter, Bob answered the call of duty, serving three years in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1948, before transitioning to a long career in the U.S. Air Force in 1952. A distinguished veteran of the Vietnam War, Bob served as a procurement officer in the Air Force for 20 years.

While stationed at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan, Bob met the love of his life, Kazue Wakaume of Chiba City. After two years of courtship, they were married in a civil ceremony at U.S. Embassy in Tokyo in June 1958. Together with their children, they lived the exciting but hectic life of a military family, moving from Japan to California to New Mexico to Texas, and finally to Oklahoma, where Bob worked at Tinker Air Force Base. At the time of his passing, he and Kazue had celebrated a remarkable 65 years of marriage.

Bob's commitment to duty culminated in his military retirement in 1972, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and Oak Leaf Cluster, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal in addition to other various commendations. Post-military, he continued to honorably safeguard his community as a police officer for the State of Oklahoma, protecting the State Capitol building until his second retirement in 1988. During his civilian career, he availed himself of the G.I. Bill, earning an associate's degree in business at Oscar Rose Community College (now rose State) in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

In his retirement, Bob found joy in spending time with family, immersing himself in novels, and following college football. He will be remembered for his quiet and gentle demeanor, his sense of humor, and his devotion to family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project in Robert Peterson's name.