Robert Peden

Robert Irving Peden, age 86, of Bowling Green passed away February 8, 2015 in Columbia surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11th, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green with Rev. Joe Siefkas officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 10th at Bibb - Veach Funeral Home in Bowling Green from 4-7 p.m. Robert was born September 14, 1928 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Alpha Edward and Maude Peden. On April 12, 1953 in New London he married Nina Mae Bent. She survives. Other survivors include their three daughters, Marcia Sue Tepen (Bob) of Bowling Green, Sherry Lynn Cooksey (Jim) of Moberly, Laura Mae Ledbetter (Jeff) of Grove City, OH; eight grandchildren Angie Richardson (Zach) of Moberly, Lani Horstmann (Daniel) of Columbia, Emily Price (James) of Columbia, Garreth & Shaylyn Cooksey of Columbia, Layle Ledbetter of Kansas City, Lydia and Lexi Ledbetter of Grove City, OH; seven great-grandchildren Drake Luebrecht, Grant & Claire Horstmann, Jillian & Cooper Price all of Columbia, and Max & Owen Richardson of Moberly; sister Bernice Harrison of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward Peden, and sister Helen Reitz. Robert grew up in St. Louis and moved to Curryville during high school. He enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War. After his time in the service, he worked with his father as a mechanic and was employed by Bowling Green Gas Company/United Cities Gas Company for 34 years. He was a member of the Lions Club, VFW and a Master Mason for 50 years. He was very involved in his church and served as a Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green. Robert loved playing and coaching softball, bowling, hunting, fishing and watching his St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, and playing cards with his family…although he was often accused of cheating, or hiding the last puzzle piece. Robert was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he had a soft-spot in his heart for the four-legged members of the family, and was always the first to make a joke. He was the epitome of a family man, and a friend to all that met him. Pallbearers will be Keith Wescott, Garreth Cooksey, Drake Luebrecht, Zach Richardson, Daniel Horstmann and James Price. Honorary pallbearers include Eldon Steers, Rhodes Hood, Bob Galloway, Bill Richards, John Hays, Bob Leffeler and Bob Thompson. Memorials can be made to Bowling Green First Presbyterian Church.