A. Wayne Peterson

Arthur Wayne Peterson, 86, of Crosby, TX, climbed into the loving arms of the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 in Baytown, TX.

Wayne was born in April of 1934 to E. Harold Peterson and Esther Nelson Peterson. He was a 1952 graduate of Crosby High School, where he played as a star basketball player for the Crosby Buffalos. Wayne briefly attended Wharton College and transferred to Lee College where he again starred in basketball.

Wayne happily eloped to Waco with his sweetheart D’Alva on February 26, 1955, where they were married by the pastor of Seventh & James Baptist Church. Daughters Cynthia, Ellen, and Karen were born and life became a journey - full of love, wonder, and humor. Wayne worked for Anderson, Clayton in Houston. He later entered the reinsurance industry when he joined General Re in 1967 in Chicago and New York City, and later in 1974 he worked first for SCOR Re and then Texas Inter-ocean in Dallas. He later headed a reinsurance brokerage firm that brought him back to Houston.  

Wayne loved spending time with his family and grandkids. Known as “Granddad,” the great-grands would rush to him with big smiles and hugs. Watching them swim and roughhouse brought joy to his heart. Wayne spent hours studying the Bible and fellowshipping with the Lord. He served as a deacon and shared Jesus’ love with many people. His appreciation of music was obvious in his life. While living in Illinois, Wayne led the choir and music at Wooddale First Baptist Church. He also directed the choir and played the organ at Westchester Baptist Church, in Hartsdale, New York. Growing vegetables and herbs and sharing his culinary skills with family and friends was a favorite pastime. He also enjoyed watching his beloved Baylor Bear sports, especially in football and basketball, and in his early years, the Houston Oilers and the Colt-45s/Astros.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Ann Copes. He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, D’Alva Rae Hopper Peterson; daughters, Cynthia Peterson of Plainview, TX; Ellen Beck and husband Alan of Crosby, TX, and Karen Nott of Santa Fe, NM.; grandchildren, Erin McMinn and husband Curtis of Humble, TX, Philip Beck and wife Danielle of Kaysville, UT, and David Beck of Crosby; great-grandchildren, Kinley McMinn, Axton McMinn, Laikyn McMinn, Dalton Carter, RiLynn Beck, and Emma Beck; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Shirley Hopper of Tyler, TX, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and E.J. “Punchy” Riley of Leakey, TX; and several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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