Robert Peavler

Robert Neil Peavler, 82, of Traverse City, died on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 at his home. Bob was born June 7, 1937 in Detroit to the late Ruth (Lewis) and Reba Peavler.

Upon graduation from Marine City High School in 1956, Bob enlisted in the Navy where he served in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. After leaving the Navy, he joined the Detroit Police Department where he was an officer for 6 years. While walking his beat through Henry Ford Hospital he met Muriel Hunt, RN. They were married on December 8, 1962 in Traverse City.

Bob, Muriel and the first two of their three sons moved to her hometown of Traverse City in 1969. Here, Bob worked for many years as an insurance agent. Later, he spent his semi-retirement managing the concessions for TCAPS athletic events. In all of his work from the Navy until retirement, Bob enjoyed people -- talking with them and helping them. In retirement, Bob relished discussions with friends he met in his Current Events Ethics Group at the Traverse City Senior Citizen Center.

Bob was a member of Central United Methodist Church since 1970. He served as a church trustee; a member of the building committee; a liaison with contractors on the 1993 remodel; and on missions to South Carolina, Haiti, and in response to Hurricane Katrina. Bob valued his deep friendships formed over the decades as a member of Yokefellow #5. He and Muriel cooked countless buttermilk pancakes for fundraisers supporting Boy Scout Troop 36, the church youth groups, and really, whoever asked.

Since high school, Bob loved fishing. Favorite fishing holes included Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Leelanau, as well as many trips to the U.P., Canada, and Mexico Beach, FL. Some of his closest friends were his fishing buddies.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Muriel, and his three sons, Richard (Chris) Peavler, Kenneth (Gina) Peavler and Robert (Kristin) Peavler. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, Kimberly, Matthew, Andrew, Samuel, Anna, and Emma.

Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. He leaves an empty place in his easy chair and in our hearts.

A memorial service honoring Bob will take place at 12:00pm with visitation one hour prior, on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Casual attire and please, no flowers. Memorials Contribution may be made in Bob’s honor to his wife, Muriel for a Memorial Bench at the Senior Center in Traverse City.

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