Robert Franklin Peterson

Robert Franklin Peterson passed away, at the age of 56, on May 23rd, 2018 surrounded by family and a multitude of friends and his brothers in blue. Rob was born in El Paso, Texas and was proudly adopted by Franklin G Peterson (Bud) and Joan Peterson. Their family grew with the adoption of his sister Rebecca L. Peterson when Rob was a little over 2 years old. His father proudly served in the Air Force meaning Rob moved around a lot. Some of his fondest school memories were from the time he spent at AFCENT International High School in the Netherlands where he made lifelong friendships. Rob graduated from Mayfield High School in 1980 and went on to proudly serve in the Air Force and Army Reserves. He worked with Las Cruces Courts for a while then took the leap into joining the Las Cruces Police Department. While with the LCPD Rob found his true calling in community policing. He was a founding member of LCPD's TNT Unit (Targeting Neighborhood Threats) where he honored the community with his ability to relate to people on every level. He took enormous pride in serving and protecting the Las Cruces community he called home. His daughters, Alex and Cass are, by far, his greatest accomplishment. In 2013 he married his true soulmate and was truly outnumbered with the addition of 3 step daughters that he accepted without hesitation and vice versa. Rob's motto was to the make the most of the time you have and always be kind to each other. This man exemplified that to the fullest and his smile was as contagious as his laugh. His sense of humor and goof ball antics were guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Rob was a talented athlete who played league softball and enjoyed golfing with friends and family alike. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved to hate his beloved Cowboys. He graduated from a mountain bike to a Harley Davidson in 2014 and never looked back. He rode the Texas hill country and to Sturgis alongside his motorcycle crew with the wind in his face. He loved every minute of the open road and who he shared it with. Rob marked events with new tattoos whenever he got the chance. They all had special meanings for moments in his life. He was blessed to have been able to checkoff some bucket list items late in life. Meeting his biological mother and half siblings was a highlight. Rob retired from LCPD in 2011 to start living the "good life" when cancer knocked on his door in early 2014. Maurice, as he named his tumor, wreaked havoc on his body and tested the limits of his spirit, but he never lost faith or let the diseases' progression stop him from living life to the fullest. His attitude and devotion to life, family, friends and the Lord was an inspiration to all who knew him. He is survived by his soulmate and wife, AnneMarie Peterson, his daughters, Alexandra Peterson of Colorado and Cassidy Peterson of Las Cruces, NM, his step-daughters, Emma Lindsey, Hannah Lindsey and Elizabeth Lindsey; his sister Rebecca Peterson of Oregon; his niece Sara Bales and a multitude of Aunts, Uncles and cousins whom he cherished greatly. Rob now rests peacefully with his mother and father in heaven. Services will be Tuesday May 29th, 2018 at 11:00 am at Mesilla Park Community Church, 1040 El Paseo, Las Cruces. In lieu of flowers Rob asked for donations to either the Rogue Community College Foundation-Christopher T. Bales Scholarship Endowment, in remembrance of his nephew; or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital for cancer research. Service Information
Tuesday, May 29, 2018 11:00am,
Mesilla Park Community Church

1040 El Paseo Rd
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001