Eufaula Community Joins Together To Remember Lost 'Family Member'

Dozens of people gathered in prayer Thursday night in light a tragedy that killed a member of their community and left two more injured.

Investigators say 39-year-old Cedric Lamont Norris dressed as a woman, robbed the Bank of Eufaula and killed the bank president, Randy Peterson, in the process.

1/21/2016 Related Story: Eufaula Robbery Suspect Convicted Of 2005 Sapulpa Robbery

The FBI said Norris tried to take one employee hostage, but shot her when she resisted. They said he then took a customer hostage and drove away.

1/21/16 Related Story: 2 Dead, 2 Injured After Eufaula Bank Robbery, Shootout With Troopers

They said a trooper spotted the stolen SUV Norris was driving and stopped him.

OHP said Norris fired several times, and they fired back and killed him. They said Norris’ hostage was also shot as he used her as a shield.

Thursday night, the Lighthouse Christian Center held a prayer service for the victims and their families. People there said the only way to heal from the tragic event is to join together as one.

No one in Eufaula is truly a stranger, but Thursday night, the community became even more of a family as they prayed together in the midst of a tragedy.

"Our town, our community, needs prayer more than ever,” said assistant pastor, Jonathan Parish.

Matthew Neill's mother works for Bank of Eufaula. Their family knew Peterson well and felt coming together in prayer, more than anything, was the right thing to do.

"Is it going to bring comfort? A little bit. But, it's just going to take time," Neill said.

Parish’s family lives right across from the Petersons, who need the community more than ever.

"If you don't live in a small community, you don't understand how close everyone is. Small community, somewhere around 3,000 people, but we're basically a 3,000-member family," Parish said.

Kelsey Skinner works at the local McDonald's and said Peterson always knew how to make her laugh when she came in to cash her paychecks.

"Well I know that he meant a lot to everybody, so he was part of our community. He was part of our family. He was our friend, our neighbor; he was just there for us, so we have to be there for him," she said.

Everyone in attendance said their family member will be missed.