Edgerton math teacher coached during 32-year career

4/5/2008

EDGERTON, Ohio - Robert Peverly, 79, a mathematics teacher and coach in the Edgerton Local Schools for 32 years, died Tuesday in Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers, Bryan, from complications of pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

He and his wife, Iva, who taught at Edgerton Elementary School, retired in 1988. At Edgerton High School, he taught algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. "He had a brilliant mind in math. He could talk math circles around anybody," his wife said.

Ric Heisler, a former student, said, "He was a very strong disciplinarian. We all knew who the boss was."

Mr. Peverly coached his entire teaching career - cross country, junior high basketball; boys' and girls' high school basketball, and for 17 years boys' baseball. His 1968 baseball team was a runner-up in regional tournament play, and his 1979 baseball team was runner-up at the state level.

Mr. Peverly grew up in East Greenbush, N.Y. He attended Hope College in Holland, Mich., and received his bachelor's degree in 1955 from Adrian College. After a year at Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts, he decided to make teaching his life's work.

He was charter president of the Edgerton Lions Club when it re-formed in 1985. His wife became involved as well.

The couple volunteered for other good works and, in 2000, were named citizens of the year at a Chamber of Commerce dinner. For years, the couple's summer business was Port-A-Pit BBQ. He was a member of Lick Creek Church of the Brethren, Bryan.

Surviving are his wife, Iva Peverly, whom he married Aug. 21, 1954; sons, Dean, David, Daniel, and Dale; brother, Richard Peverly; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren.

The body will be in the Krill Funeral Home, Edgerton, after 2 p.m. Monday. Services will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Edgerton Elementary School gymnasium.

The family suggests tributes to the Edgerton Lions Club.