Robert George Peevers

Robert (Bob) George Peevers, born on September 15, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2025, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.

Bob moved to Fishers, Indiana, with his wife, Dawn, and son, Trevor in 2012, where he impacted those around him with his vibrant personality and boundless energy. He devoted countless hours to supporting Trevor during his hockey seasons, often managing the penalty box at games. Known affectionately as "The Dancing Bear," Bob’s infectious dancing and energy in the penalty box brought joy and laughter to the players and their families, stealing the show at every opportunity.

Family was at the heart of Bob’s life. He cherished trips to the family cottage in South Haven, Michigan, and enjoyed their fishing trips although he did not fish. He loved traveling to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to visit his brothers, William (Joann) Peevers and Thomas (Shirley) Peevers, and their families. Bob treasured quiet moments spent around a campfire, watching movies (which became known as “Big Bob’s Big Screen” nights), playing blackjack, or simply sitting around laughing, sharing jokes, and telling stories. He was also known for his creative touch, making family videos for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, and youth hockey events, capturing memories that will be treasured for years to come. In addition, Bob’s woodworking projects, both around the house and for friends and family, showcased his hands-on spirit.

Before moving to Fishers, Indiana, Bob lived much of his adult life in Battle Creek, Michigan. Throughout his life, Bob was deeply committed to serving that community. He held various leadership roles, including serving as a Springfield City Councilman, Chairperson of the Springfield Economic Development Corporation, and the Springfield Tax Incremental Finance Authority. He was an active member of the Battle Creek Jaycees, Harper Creek Optimist Club, Lakeview Business Association, and volunteered for many years as security at the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. Bob’s dedication to his community earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Man of the Year and Key Man awards.

While serving with the Battle Creek Jaycees, Bob played a pivotal role in promoting racial healing within the community by organizing concerts in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including performances by Rare Earth, Mac Davis, Tommy James, The Stampeders, The Guess Who, Sugarloaf, and Battle Creek’s local band Odyssey. He received the Jaycees International Senator Award for his dedication to listening to community needs through the Jaycee survey and making things happen, including organizing the Jaycees haunted houses, Miss Battle Creek pageants, Youth Talent Exhibit shows, Nostalgia nights, and many more. Bob was passionate about his community and worked tirelessly to promote togetherness and pride among its residents. He always thought there should be a “Good Neighbor Day”.

During his time on the Lakeview Business Association, he was instrumental in bringing the Lakeview Square Mall to Battle Creek and worked hard to support many economic development projects in downtown and other areas of the community.

Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother, William and Isabella (Muldon) Peevers. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Peevers, whom he married in 1997, and their son, Trevor Peevers. He is also survived by his daughter, Michelle Redman, from his previous marriage to Susan Kay Riggs (deceased), and his sons, David (Jeanette) Peevers and Mark (Jennifer) Peevers, from his previous marriage to Chris Owel. Bob also leaves behind his grandchildren: Shane Redman, Adam Redman, Abigail Peevers, Maggie Peevers, Rebecca Garver, Halaina Peevers, Marcus Peevers, and Ada Compton; as well as his great-grandchildren, Liam Hammond and Isabella Redman.

Bob retired from Sears in 2004, but prior to that, he worked at Michigan Carton Company and Ferrari Sewing Center. In 1985, he owned Creative Images and earned the Sony Dealer of the Year award.

Bob’s larger-than-life spirit, sense of humor, and infectious smile will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered as a fun-loving, kind-hearted man who made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Bob’s memory will live on in the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bob was a member of the catholic church and a memorial service will be held at St. Joseph Church, 61 N 23rd St Battle Creek, MI 49015 on June 6, 2025, at 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon reception. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Battle Creek Humane Society, or Heartland Hospice of Fishers, Indiana.