Robert O. Peeler Jr. (Bob) 80, of Perrysburg, passed away peacefully June 8, 2022, from complications of asbestos and pneumonia.
Bob was born to Carolyn and Robert O. Peeler Sr. in Findlay, on June 24, 1941. He had fond memories of growing up in Findlay and attending Findlay schools.
Bob was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving on the Destroyer Charles P. Cecil.
After his discharge from the Navy, he worked at Cooper Tire and Rubber in Findlay for a couple of years before following his passion for music. He formed the band, the Challengers, with Roger Hilty and Gary Reddick. They enjoyed playing in local clubs in the surrounding area and had many fans, some of whom still remember the Challengers (the Hollywood Rocked). Their story, with pictures and 45 records, can be found at the Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay. The three are together again, and one can only imagine what they will be up to now.
At age 25, Bob relocated to Toledo to pursue a career in auto sales. He sold Chevys for several years. During this time, he sold a couple of cars to Ron Pollman, who convinced him to change his career to the music business, and the rest is history. Bob worked at Ron’s Music on Tremainsville Road for seven years before venturing out on his own and opening Peeler Music and Sound, Peeler Drum Center and Peeler Commercial Sound at Byrne and Heatherdowns. It was the “best store in town serving the best musicians around.”
Bob made many friends and loyal customers in the music community. He absolutely loved what he did, loved his employees, teachers, sound tech guys and especially his customers.
After 26 years, he retired in 2008. In the end he was always thankful for his mentors in the car business and music industry, Ron Pollman, Cliff Durdell, Fred and Alice Shuman, and not to forget his employees.
Bob continued to perform music his whole life, playing with the popular Toledo-area all-occasion band Carousel from 1979 to 1994, and supporting many northwest Ohio musicians and bands. When he wasn’t working or making music, Bob was active in American Legion Post 28 in Perrysburg, loved traveling to Mackinac Island, working in his garden and spending time with his wife, his family and his pets.
Bob is survived by his wife, Delores, of 56 years; his children, Christopher (Nancy) Peeler of Midland, Michigan; Kimberly (Kenneth) Driscoll of Pine Top, Arizona; Traci (Mark) Williams of Schertz, Texas; Elizabeth (Kevin) McCormick of Temperance, Michigan; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Cecilia Martin and Cynthia Fackler. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister-in-law, Janet Callahan; brother-in-law, David Chortie, and beloved nephew, Jeffrey Chortie.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Mercy Health in Perrysburg emergency department, and the nurses and doctors on the third floor for their compassionate care; also the Perrysburg Township Fire/EMS for their quick response and care.
Friends and family will be received Saturday, June 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, where a funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to H.O.O.V.E.S., 4055 Wilkins Road, Swanton, Ohio 43588. Condolences may be made online to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.