Pete was born on February 18, 1928 in Corsicana, Texas to Ross and Ruth Gaulding. He attended school in both Austin and Corsicana, graduating from Corsicana High School.
After graduating from high school, he joined the Coast Guard and served until the end of World War II. At that time, he came to Abilene and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a Bachelor of Business degree in 1950. Pete met the love of his life, Wanda Windham, who was a student at McMurry College, and after her graduation they married in 1951. He was a member of University Baptist Church.
Pete worked for the Texas Highway Department (now Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation) for 35 years as an engineering technician. There he met many wonderful people who would become lifelong friends of the family.
Pete was known for his willingness to help others, his contagious laugh, positive outlook on life, and his devotion to his wife of 61 ½ years, Wanda. When his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participated in sports and other events, he was there cheering for them.
After retiring, Pete worked at farming and ranching at the family’s place in Potosi. He felt closest to God when he was there among the mesquite trees with his burros, goats, and ducks. Some of his best times were spent there with his family.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Ruth Gaulding; his sister, Jimmy Henderson; and his brother, Joe Gaulding.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Windham Gaulding of Abilene; his brother, John Gaulding of Austin; daughters, Cindy Fitzhugh of Abilene and Suzi Downey of Coppell; grandson, Travis Burleson and wife Kelly of Summerville, South Carolina; granddaughters, Jamie Bearden and husband Zack of Abilene, Emily Fitzhugh of Abilene, Krista Downey of Anson, and Kaila Alba and husband Nick of Richardson; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Carter Bearden of Abilene and Milo and Chloe Burleson of Summerville, South Carolina. He is also survived by his special dog, Wimberly.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, with Pastor Kevin Peters officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at a visitation 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Potosi Volunteer Fire Department, 1949 FM 1750, Abilene, Texas 79601, or University Baptist Church, 2141 Grape Street, Abilene, Texas 79601, or to the donor’s favorite charity.
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