Robert Eugene Peiter

Robert Eugene Peiter, 85, Palmyra, Mo., was called to his eternal home 12:30 p.m., Monday April 17, 2023, at Luther Manor Nursing Home in Hannibal, Mo. 

Bob was born July 2, 1937, in Marion County, Mo., the son of George “Albert” Henry and Pauline “Lillian” (Poppe) Peiter. He was baptized as a Child of God on July 25, 1937, and confirmed in his faith on March 24, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra.

Bob married the love of his life, Carol Faeth, on Dec. 1, 1968, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Mo. They were blessed with 46 years of marriage when she passed in 2015.

Survivors include his children, Andrea King and husband, Craig, Taylor, Mo.; Robin Horstmeier and husband, Matt, O’Fallon, Mo.; Matt Peiter and wife, Laura, Rocheport, Mo.; Carrie Peiter, Columbia, Mo.; and Amy Myers and husband, Tim, Palmyra. Bob was the proud grandfather of Weston King, Candra King, Bryant Horstmeier, Brody Horstmeier, Evan Peiter and Landon Peiter. Bob was the step-grandfather of Tracy McAleer and husband, Ryan, LaVista, Neb.; and Terri Miller and husband, Zachary, Novelty, Mo. His step-great-grandchildren include Callen McAleer, Rowen McAleer, Emlyn McAleer, Grant Parsons, Hannah Parsons and Kase Miller. He dearly loved his sister, Cathy Schade, Knoxville, Tenn.; brother-in-law, Max Schaefer, Palmyra; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; sisters, Vivian Drebes Donelson and Jane Schaefer; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Shelton and Marjorie Frankenbach Hillmann, and brothers-in-law, Arlen Schade, Norman Drebes, Norman Shelton, Wendell Frankenbach, Ray Hillmann and Paul Donelson.

Upon his graduation from Palmyra High School, Bob began his farming career. He was a hardworking man who provided for his family. In 1963, he purchased the Peiter family farm, which is a Century Family Farm making him the fourth generation on that farm. Bob took great care of the land, and produced livestock and crops mentoring many who worked for him on the farm over the years. 

Bob also served as a Vigortone Feed Salesman. He passed on his love of agriculture to his five kids, who in 1983 talked him into letting them raise Registered Shropshire sheep. 

He also enjoyed driving school bus #8 for the Palmyra School District and the many bus kids he called his own. For many years, Bob also worked as the propane manager for Farmer’s Co-op in Palmyra. He enjoyed providing for the many customers he served.

His love for the Lord, and service to his church were very important to Bob. He was a lifetime member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra where he was deacon, chair of the Stewardship Board, circuit officer of the Lutheran Layman’s League (LLL) and Zion Lutheran School Parent Teacher League (PTL) president. A testament to Bob’s faith, he was honored to be godparent for many. He loved singing old hymns and praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Bob enhanced his community through service to others. He was president of the Marion County University of Missouri Extension Council, a founding member and president of the Palmyra Young Farmers, 4-H volunteer, and served as the Marion County Junior Fair sheep superintendent for many years. Bob received an honorary FFA Degree for his service to the Palmyra FFA Chapter.

A dedicated father and grandfather, Bob enjoyed supporting his family with their sheep, sports and in all phases of their life journey. As avid Palmyra Panther fans, Bob and Carol served as team hosts at the Palmyra Tony Lenzini Basketball Tournament for many years. 

He loved to attend the Missouri State Fair with his family and was extremely proud as his family was named the Marion County Farm Family in 1988 and again in 1995 when the Peiter family was honored as the Missouri State Fair Sheep Family.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 24, at Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra. Pastor Wes Gehrke will officiate. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in West Ely, Mo.

Pallbearers will be Mark Heidbreder, Steve Yates, Glen Drebes, Dwane Schaefer, Mike Schaefer, Greg Frankenbach, Randy Frankenbach, Dale Shelton and Dan Shelton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kent Schade, Alan Koch, Jerry Suter, Kirk Boyer, Travis Boyer, Scott Boyer, Roger Boyer and Randy Obert.

Family and friends are invited to Bob’s Life Celebration and visitation Sunday, April 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.

Memorials may be made to your choice of  Zion Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery or Marion County 4-H.