Pete James Santikos

Surrounded by his family, Pete walked into Paradise on February 24, 2023. Soft voices whispered words of love to this great man and encouraged him to find victory and comfort in the arms of his Savior.

Pete was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on August 6, 1944, to his parents Jimmy and Clara Santikos. He was the youngest of six children. His family moved to Houston, Texas, when he was ten years old. Raised in the Houston Heights area, he graduated from Reagan High School. After graduation, Pete worked as a draftsman and assisted in the redesign of the Glomar Challenger. Little did he know that one day he would become one of the most recognized business owners in the Oak Forest community.

Pete was many things. He was a successful, wise businessman. He was an independent thinker with innovative ideas. He was an example of a hard-working man with a strong work ethic. However, his greatest testimony to life was his family…. His wife, his children and grandchildren.

When he was 15 years old and in junior high school, Pete worked at a go cart track to make money. With his earnings, he bought his mother, Clara, a brand new Singer sewing machine to further her career as a seamstress. He boldly walked into a bank and requested a loan. Being too young for a loan, he needed a co-signer. He got a co-signer and he got the loan. His mother got her sewing machine. He was creative and always looking for a more efficient way to do things. To help him get to his job at the go cart track, he added a motor to his bicycle to make it run on gasoline.

Pete married his wife, Sharon, on November 21, 1975. Together they raised four wonderful children. Years later, they were further blessed with grandsons and granddaughters. Pete owned Santikos & Sons Texaco & Auto Repair for 43 years. He retired in 2012 and made plans to spend more time with Sharon and his family.

Pete contributed many hours to his community. He served in multiple board positions on the Oak Forest Lions Club. He also served on several committees for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (Auctions & Receptions, Grand Entry). Pete was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where he served a term on the Pastoral Council.

When he wasn’t working or serving his community, Pete enjoyed the outdoors. In recent years, Pete and his wife bought a lake house in Jacksonville, Texas. He could fish and ride boats to his hearts content. Sometimes he would look out at the water and just relax. He loved to see the sun rise in the east and watch a full moon rise over the water. He wanted everyone to visit and enjoy the lake house. Pete also loved watching old westerns. He took great delight in his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pappou”.

Above all, Pete loved his family. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, mentor and a father figure for many. Unaware of his importance to people, Pete recently commented that he didn’t know so many people loved him.

In November of 2021, Pete was diagnosed with cancer. Pete approached this diagnosis the same way he approached life. He met this challenge without fear. Determined to win, Pete fought a ferocious battle not only for himself, but for his family. He did not fight alone. Sharon, his devoted wife, was at his side through it all. Pete’s battle ended on a warm, beautiful day in February.

Pete is preceded in death by his infant son “PJ”, his parents, and five siblings. His memories will be lovingly cherished by his wife, Sharon, of 47 years; Daughter, Regina Harris and husband Brian; Daughter, Holly Diedrich and husband Donavon; Son, Tim Santikos and wife Stacey; Son, Seth Santikos; Grandchildren Joseph Marshall, Austin Gentry, Dillon Harris, Connor Smith, Rylee Santikos, Olivia Santikos, Blake Santikos, and Harrison Santikos; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thanks to his team of doctors at Methodist Hospital, Encore caregivers, Crossroads Hospice, neighbors on Cheshire Lane and many friends, especially Kathy Green. Loving acknowledgement is extended to his sisters-in-law Barbara Dugan and Shirley Birch for the countless hours of support and care.