Paul Joseph Peters Jr.

Paul J. Peters, Jr. passed away from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on December 3, 2012 at the age of 78. He was born on August 21, 1934 in old St. Paul Hospital in Dallas to Paul Joseph Peters and Estelle Thrash Peters. He attended Holy Trinity grade school and received his diploma from Jesuit High School on Oak Lawn Avenue in 1952. At the University of Sana Clara he was a member of the golf team, ROTC, Delta Sigma Pi, Business Administration Association (President), and Student Senate. After receiving his B.S.C. degree in 1956, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army conducting readiness exercises such as cold weather warfare in Alaska and participating in the coastal “assault” on the Hearst Castle.

In 1960, he married Sheila Turner of Dallas and welcomed five children between 1966 and 1972. During these years he also earned his CPA license as well as receiving a MBA from SMU. After employment at several CPA firms he joined Bell Helicopter Co. in 1966. When the Shah of Iran purchased Bells for the Iranian Air Force, Paul was asked to set up Bell Helicopter International which trained Iranian pilots and mechanics in operating and maintaining the choppers. Paul made several trips overseas including to Iran and other Middle Eastern countries and Peru. During the Iranian Revolution he was part of Bell’s attempts to get their employees safely out of Iran.

Paul was a true gentlemen and avid sportsman. His greatest passion was golf closely followed by the stock market, fishing and hunting. His love affair with golf was ignited at Santa Clara where he first played the game and proved to be a natural at it. Joining the golf team became the foundation for lifelong friendships and many years of active competition in tournament play. He was a member of DAC Country Club where he held several titles. He also played Preston Trails, Dallas CC, Brook Hollow, Colonial CC in Ft. Worth and many other courses in Texas. At one time as a senior golfer at Las Colinas CC he was rated as a plus handicap, despite his nickname of Father Time. Because of his exceptional game and sportsmanship, he was a favorite both as partner and competitor. In college he played against Tony Lema. At various times his playing partners included Ernie Els, Eldrigidge miles, David Frost, Frank Leahy, Dizzy Dean, and Spec Goldman, among others. He also was privileged to caddy for John Brodie.

After early retirement from Bell, he played golf 6 days a week at Las Colinas CC, finally cutting back to 5 days at Sheila’s request. During the time, he competed in many tournaments, winning his share of trophies and pro shop redemptions. Qualifying for and competing in the US Senior Amateur was a proud accomplishment. When he was invited to join the Society of Seniors, an elite group of senior golfers nationally, he relished the higher level of competition at national tournaments.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and prematurely newborn son. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sheila, and beloved children Chris Peters, Dallas; David Peters (Michele), Dallas; Dede Peters, Fayetteville AR; Charles Peters, Plano; and Lizzie Wiener (David), Belvedere CA; also his beloved grandchildren Stella, Cece, and Luke Wiener and Piper and Davey Peters.

For her friendship, tender and gracious care, sense of humor that kept Paul laughing, and all the many things she did above and beyond her duties as Paul’s caregiver, the family wishes to thank Janice “Sam” Johnson. Also thanks to “Ree” Henderson for her gentle and loving care the last several weeks.

Pallbearers: Josef Caldwell, Bill Gainer, Carey Schulten, Jack Thrash, Charlie Turner, and Dave Schwarz. Honorary pallbearers: University of Santa Clara Golf Team of 1956 including Larry Fry, David Little, Mike Raschko; and also John Fry who played for the University of San Francisco.

If desired, memorials may be made to: The First Tee of Greater Dallas, 2909 Cole Ave. #305, Dallas, TX 75204. www.thefirstteedallas.org, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777. www.michaeljfox.org, or Jesuit Memorial Fund c/o Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, 12345 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75244. www.jesuitcp.org.

Rosary will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, December 7th followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75225. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Paul’s life at the Parish Community Center adjacent to the School. Entombment at Calvary Hill Mausoleum, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX 75220.

“See you at 7AM on the 1st tee at Cypress Point! Bring lots of Money!”