Royce Peterson

Royce Glenn Pete Peterson, 82, passed away Saturday, July 06, 2013 in Abilene. A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street. Pallbearers for the service will be Dwayne Peterson, Morris Reeves, Dan Dankworth, David Gannaway, Bob ONeal, Aaron Tucker, Jesus Villanueva. Honorary pallbearers are Rob Roy Parnell, Lee Roy Parnell, Dr. Zane Travis, Dr. Jack Bargainer, Dr. Bill Voelter, Dr. Keith Robinson, and Dr. Dan Munton.
Pete was born December 14, 1930 in South Taylor County to parents, Charlie and Lela Stanford Peterson. He was one of nine children and always felt fortunate to have eight siblings that worked hard and played just as hard. He graduated from Merkel High School 1948 and attended John Tarleton College before serving our country in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida during the Korean War. After coming back to Abilene he went to work for Roy Parnell at Parnell Trucking, soon after married JoAnn Stricklin in 1953. After they married, he began working for Troy A. Stricklin at Abilene Glass and MirrorAbilene Windshield which he later owned and operated. When he retired from the glass business in 1970 he held part ownership in 27 different glass companies. Pete began Peterson Real Estate in 1970 which he owned and operated for the last 43 years. He was part owner of Abilene Ag and Supply Company and also held part ownership in the Gorman National Bank and operated it as Chairman of the Board for three years. He was also partners with Burl Harris in the construction business for 43 years and together they are responsible for most of the growth and development of Industrial Blvd.
In the early 1970s Pete, along with his good friend, William F. Pete Baker worked tirelessly to bring water to the families of South Taylor County that at that time had no water. 7 years later Steamboat Mountain Water Supply was born.
Petes greatest joy came from the real estate business because in his words, it allowed him to get back to what he loved, The Land. He was instrumental in much of Abilenes growth throughout the last 43 years which resulted in such businesses as Red Lobster coming to town. He also enjoyed purchasing and revitalizing areas, such as the Halliburton property on Industrial Blvd. where Stripes Convenience Store is located and will be the new home for Golden Corral. Another undertaking was the cleanup of Karwer Machine Works. The building was later renovated for Ed Wright and became the new home for INcounters. Pete loved his business and was always very proud of the fact that it was a family owned and operated business.
He also was Vice President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce twice, helped organize the first Boys Club of Abilene, and helped organize and direct the first Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater. Pete was a member of the board that organized and secured the bonds for the Abilene Civic Center, Abilene Zoo, Abilene Library, Abilene City Hall, and many other city facilities.
Pete is survived by his wife, JoAnn two sons, Gary and Joe Peterson and girl friend Andi Kaye Bailey one grandson, Derek Peterson and wife Jennifer 2 great grandchildren, Sylas Royce Peterson and one on the way that he was already excited about one brother, Charles Peterson and wife Inez, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents four sisters, Clara Lee, Mavis, Frances, and Jo three brothers, C.R., Earl, and Stanley and one granddaughter, Darcey Lee Peterson
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations in Petes honor to the Medical Care Mission, 1857 Pine St., Abilene, TX 79601 or Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79601

Service

Funeral Service

First Central Presbyterian
400 Orange
Abilene, TX  79601
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

PO Box 1922
Abilene, TX  79604


1857 Pine Street
Abilene, TX  79601