Horace Chilton "Pete" Sweet Jr.

Horace Chilton “Pete” Sweet, Jr. passed away peacefully April 19, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born November 22, 1936 to Dr. Horace Chilton and Charlotte Patricia Thomson Sweet in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Carolyn, his sister Martha Ann Colangelo, daughter Lynette Shelton and her husband Kevin, son Brett Sweet and his wife Meredythe, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Horace and Pat, his beloved Auntie and Aunt Sis and his grandson David Shelton.

Pete met the love of his life Carolyn Jeannette Sheffy in 1959 and they married December 17, 1960 in San Antonio. Their marriage was one full of the everyday ordinary, a few challenges and adventure. A family member shared that they always seemed happy and in sync, that their inner strengths and faith allowed them to overcome the obstacles life threw at them. Early in their marriage, Pete and Carolyn moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where they lived for 8 years. They were involved in church and community groups, including the Jaycees. Pete was elected State Director of the Iowa Jaycees, where he was in charge of organizing the state convention, among other duties. He became an entrepreneur, opening Pete’s Toy Box in April 1965. Their children, Lynette and Brett, joined the family during their time in Iowa, making their time away from Texas worth it! Moving back to Texas in 1971, they spent a few years in Austin before moving to Georgetown in 1978. Here the family found a wonderful church home at old Grace Episcopal Church. Over the years, they all became very involved in the church, with Pete serving in many roles, officially and unofficially. He was head usher for many years and served two terms as Junior Warden, handling the maintenance and upkeep of the church and grounds. He represented Grace at a number of Diocesan Councils over the years and, in 2002, he had the honor of delivering the speech recognizing Grace growing from a mission church to a parish. Pete also served on the Vestry at the new church. Pete and Carolyn were instrumental in helping to establish Grace Episcopal School, as well as the church library. He was always helping wherever it was needed, all while having a busy family life. Pete also found time to go back to school in 1988 and get a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Accounting in 1992. Pete always had a love of nature, instilled in him since childhood. He would often take the family on “Sunday drives” after church, driving through the countryside around Georgetown, looking for wildlife and beautiful plants and wildflowers. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting with friends-he never killed anything he didn’t eat, even though Carolyn isn’t that fond of venison! After retiring from the University of Texas, Pete and Carolyn were able to do quite a bit of traveling. They enjoyed their time-shares in Branson, Galveston and New Braunfels, often inviting family to join them. They also traveled abroad, visiting Canada before their Alaskan cruise, Germany, England and Scotland, home of Pete’s ancestors. They were also able to enjoy a European river cruise for their 50th Anniversary.

Pete was devoted to his family, an outstanding example as a husband and a father. He was a very down-to-earth and humble person, comfortable in his own skin and the life he and Carolyn had made for their family. Pete was a man of great faith who lived his faith every day, as evidenced by his loving, nurturing and giving nature. He had a servant’s heart, caring for Carolyn, his family, his church and his community. He is loved and will be greatly missed by his family and all who were blessed to know him.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, May 6th at 2:15 PM at Grace Episcopal Church at 1314 E. University Avenue, Georgetown, Texas 78626.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in honor of Pete to Grace Episcopal School. https://graceschool1992.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com for the Sweet family.