Gene Edward Peter

Gene Edward Peter passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at the age of 83, in his home in Clear Lake, Texas. Born March 31, 1942, Gene spent his childhood between San Antonio and Mississippi. He graduated from St. Mary's University in May 1964 with a degree that would launch him into one of the most extraordinary careers of the Space Age.

In 1965, Gene met Jeannine, the love of his life. They married on June 24, 1967, beginning a partnership that would span over five decades, countless cruises, anniversary celebrations from Houston to Turks and Caicos, and a shared life built in the home they purchased in the 1960s in Clear Lake.

Gene devoted 41 years to NASA, serving from 1964 to 2005 during the most transformative era in human space exploration. He began with the Gemini Program and contributed to the work that enabled the first lunar landing. His career spanned the Apollo missions, the Skylab, and Voyager 1 and 2. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was working directly with astronauts during the Space Shuttle era, designing takeoff and landing control boards. He supported Mars exploration and the Space Station, concluding his distinguished career following the Space Shuttle's Return to Flight in 2005.

Beyond NASA, Gene was a devoted father and generous community servant. He volunteered extensively with the PTA during his children's school years, served as president of Bay Area Youth Sports, and dedicated countless hours to the Knights of Columbus and St. Bernadette Catholic Church, where he remained a faithful Saturday Mass attendee for decades.

Gene was a man of simple pleasures and lasting investments. He loved tinkering and fixing things around the house, built a game room above the family garage—complete with pool table, stereo, and bar—that became the heart of countless gatherings. He tended his garden with care, enjoyed playing dominoes with friends, and was an avid saver. If you were ever in need of a recycled ziploc bag or a butter tub, he was your man!

Gene had a dry, sharp wit and enjoyed good-natured banter. He was a loyal fan of the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, and the University of Texas. He was known for live-texting family and friends during games with running commentary and playful jabs. He expressed love through service–cooking and baking for those he cared about, showing up when needed, and offering his time without fanfare.

Gene is survived by his son, Stephen, and daughter-in-law Laura, and their children Cameryn and Shelby; his daughter, Larissa Bradford, and son-in-law Peter, and their children Caden, Dylan, and Lexi; and his brother-in-law, Dickie Schock. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeannine K. Peter, and his parents, Loddie and Sydonia. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A visitation will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home in Webster, Texas, on Thursday, January 22 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, January 24 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Bernadette's Knights of Columbus in Gene's memory.