John Edward Peerson's Obituary
John Edward Peerson was born on November 1, 1946, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to Hal Lafayette Peerson and Evadean Pearl (Devine) Peerson. He spent most of his life in Bixby, where he graduated with the Class of 1964. In retirement, John organized monthly gatherings for his classmates at Scott's Hamburgers in downtown Bixby, where they shared meals and reminisced about old times.
During high school, John played football, served as president of DECA, and managed the basketball team. Following high school, he attended Northeastern State College, It was during those years that he met Jan Phillips. Their story began at Dutches Pool, a popular hangout for locals, where John was immediately drawn to Jan. Without a way to contact her, John drove around neighboring Jenks in hopes of finding her again. His determination paid off, and the two eventually began dating. A cherished photo remains from those days, capturing John in his National Guard uniform.
Life eventually took these two in different directions, each building families of their own. But decades later, fate brought them back together. Ten years after Jan was widowed, she received an unexpected Facebook message from John, asking to meet. That visit took place at John's house and turned into hours of catching up-though Jan later laughed, realizing she had never even been offered anything to drink! From that day on, John continued calling, his persistence never wavering. In time, his devotion led to a proposal, and in 2014, they married in a beautiful ceremony at Perryman Ranch, a place dear to Jan's heart.
Before meeting Jan again, John had rarely traveled outside Bixby, but together, they explored Washington, D.C., the Smoky Mountains, New England, Yellowstone, Montana, Washington, Oregon, and Florida. John treasured these experiences, not just for the sights but for the time spent with Jan.
A dedicated worker, John was a career firefighter with the Bixby Fire Department and often worked two jobs to support his family, including at Loomis in Tulsa and later in security for Saint Francis Hospital. Even in his free time, John stayed busy-mowing, trimming, and tending to his flower gardens. He loved his pickup truck and found any excuse to take it for a drive. Despite his quiet nature, John was known for his wit, generosity, and a laugh that could surprise you-especially in movie scenes where laughter wasn't expected.
John had a giving heart, quietly supporting causes close to him. He was a fan of 60s and 70s music, though he and Jan jokingly agreed neither of them were 'singers'. John loved to read, was an avid OU and NASCAR fan, and, despite his stubborn streak, was always the first to start on the dishes during family gatherings.
On February 18, 2025, John passed away at his home in Bixby at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jan; daughter, Kristy Shepherd; sons, Shawn Peerson (Kendall) and Lance Peerson; sister, Kay Watkins; stepchildren, Dominique Sexton (Bruce), Nikki Perez, and Josh Stout (Amanda); grandchildren, Bailee Ellison (Josh), Laney, Harley, and Dannica Peerson, Carly Batson (Blake), Rose Perez (Chandler), Gabriel and Jade Perez, Lucas, Josie, Cora, Rozzlyn, and Mavryck Stout, and Owen and Julia Sexton; and great-grandchildren, Abigail and Jace Ellison, and Brock Batson. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and his beloved four-legged companion, Betty Lou.
John's legacy of love, hard work, and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
A celebration of John's life will be held at 4 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Rivercrest Chapel & Event Center at Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service. Please join us for a reception, where we'll be serving a variety of foods-some of which John, as a notoriously picky eater, would have flat-out refused! While he may not have approved of the menu, we know he'd love the company, the stories, and the laughter shared in his memory.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service & Crematory.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?