Robert Peel

Robert W. "Bob" Peel, 73, of Jackson passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Bob had been valiantly fighting cancer since 2008. The family rejoices that he's now fully restored with Jesus, his savior.

He was born Jan. 8, 1942, in Cape Girardeau to Charles H. and Cecil Blake Peel. He and Sara Elizabeth "Lisa" Sharpe were married April 8, 1965, in Clayton, Missouri.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Jackson and a 1960 graduate of Jackson High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably from May 31, 1960 to May 28, 1964.

He was employed 35 years by the city of Jackson. He worked as an operator at the power plant and the waste water disposal plant, retiring in 2001.

Bob enjoyed doing yard work, camping and all sports, but he was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. He took the greatest pleasure in being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who cherish memories of Papa and Mama taking them camping, seeing movies and going to McDonald's for ice cream.

He was a member of Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson and a former member of First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Loving survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Lisa of Jackson; three children, Stephanie Grant (Curt Smith), Robert "Rob" Peel Jr. and Gary Peel, all of Jackson; former son-in-law, Steve Grant of Jackson; three grandchildren, Ashley (Trey) Ferrell, Adam Grant (Allie Penzel), both of Jackson, and Morgan Peel of Phoenix; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Hannah Ferrell of Jackson.

Also surviving is a sister, Jane (Jess) Niswonger of Jackson; a brother-in-law, Max Amos of Jackson; two sisters-in-law, Vanna Peel-Hoyt of Jackson and Margaret Peel of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews whom he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings, Doris Baker Amos and her first husband, Johnny, Betty (Kenny) Koch, Helen (Bob) Frolichstein, Richard "Dick" Peel and Stephen Peel.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Estes officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society or Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.