Barry Peterson

Barry Peterson, a devout follower of Christ, 73, of Amarillo, TX passed away on March 31, 2020.

Barry was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on June 28, 1946 to Joni and Walter “Pete” Peterson. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Sandwich, IL while his father was deployed as a B-17 pilot in the Air Force. The family stayed there until Barry was four, when his father was killed in the Korean Conflict, after which they moved to Amarillo, Texas. He then moved to Pampa, Texas after his mother’s remarriage, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Barry graduated from Pampa High School in 1964, from Texas Tech University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, and from St. Mary’s University where he earned his doctorate in Jurisprudence in 1972. In 1970 he married Patricia Swartz, of San Antonio and together they had two children, Shelbi Peterson Whittenburg, and Barry Peterson, Jr. In 1972 he moved to Amarillo where he began his law career at Stokes, Carnahan, & Fields. Pat and Barry divorced in 1981. Barry met Tisha O’Neill Ware in 2001 and married her in 2004.

Barry excelled at law, consistently earning many accolades throughout his fifty-year career as a civil defense trial attorney, eventually becoming senior partner of his firm, Peterson, Farris, and partners. Multiple times he was recognized as one of the top 100 attorneys in the state of Texas. Barry was a founding partner of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, member of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, Texas Bar Association, American Bar Association, and many other law-related organizations, serving presidential terms of most. Barry’s extensive civic involvement encompassed either serving as a board member, or as president of Tealwood Lakes, The Amarillo Symphony, The Golden Spread Counsel of the Boy Scouts of America, The Harrington Cancer Center, the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, The Lonestar Ballet, Amarillo Country Club, The Palo Duro Club, The Amarillo Club, The Citadelle Art Foundation and The Kiwanis Club.

Barry was a deeply compassionate servant of God. His generosity and spirit touched the heart of every person he encountered. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Amarillo, Texas where he served as deacon. He lovingly gave to the church by serving on numerous committees which included serving as chairman of both the restoration and landscape addition projects. He taught, and shared a cherished bond with, the ladies of Adult 8 “The Peterson Class”.

Throughout his life, Barry pursued many hobbies which include oil painting, gardening, sailing, fishing, backpacking, antique cars, decorating and remodeling houses, and piano. He had many hidden talents which included the ability to drive a tractor and steam train. He was quite a baker; you can ask the ladies of Adult 8.

He loved everyone unconditionally.

Barry is survived by his wife, Tisha; daughter, Shelbi and husband Burk Whittenburg; their two sons, John Burk and Peter; son Barry Peterson, Jr.; brother, Gary; sisters, Marilyn and Jona; sister-in-law, Diane; he was a loving step father to Anne Clayton, Benj and Bonnie, Patrick and Blake, and William Ware; adored grandchildren, Ellie Parra, Sabine and Sloan Vroom, Lila Mary, Mary Adele, “Bobo”, and Richard Clayton Ware III; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be available from 10:00 A.M.- 8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Private family graveside services will be at Llano Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to First Baptist Church

https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Giving/fbcamarillo

or Heal the City

https://healthecityamarillo.networkforgood.com/projects/94354-heal-the-city-acute-and-chronic-care

38 Replies to “Barry Peterson”

  1. I attended Pampa High School with Barry. He was a little older and we were not real close, but I remember him as being respected and well-liked. Later, we both attended Texas Tech then drifted in different directions as adults, but kids of Pampa are like an extended family – from time to time I would hear news about Barry, taking pleasure in seeing him succeed in life.

  2. Hi Tisha….. just got word of Barry’s passing in my Texas Bar Journal publication which is always a month or more late reporting deaths.

    I am so very sorry about Barry’s passing. Although I did not know him, he looked like a wonderful guy. I so glad you had a good marriage too him.

    Tisha, I have always held you in high esteem and thought of you so fondly. Staring so early in both of our young lives with Dan and Janet Jones …… both so early gone….I just hope you are doing ok.

    Hang in there, my special friend. I hope you get this message. Maybe one day we can have a drink together and discuss history

    Sam B.

  3. When Barry’s family schedules a memorial service, I will make my plans to attend. I will also contact our classmates from Pampa High School class of 1964. I will include my contact information requested below. Larry Johnson [email protected]

  4. I am so sad to hear of Barry’s passing! He was such a kind man and a wonderful attorney. Condolences to his family and may those special memories of him give them peace in this time of sorrow.

  5. I miss him though our friendship was short. We would spend time visiting a few times a week on the 8th floor of BSA where he and my wife were getting infusions. Always, he would be working on law papers, but he would break so we could visit for an hour or two. I looked forward to these times. We correspond through texts over the last two years and we would visit as we past each other at Texas Oncology.
    I love the man and will miss him.

  6. Barry and I began the practice of law at about the same time. We represented opposing parties in numerous lawsuits. Barry was a highly competent attorney and he exhibited a high degree of integrity. I always believed that he was trustworthy and his word could be relied on. May God bless him and his family.

  7. Barry was a good man. I am fortunate to have had a chance to spend some time with him. He will be missed here and enjoyed in Heaven.

  8. I am so sorry to hear this. Barry was a good man and a fine lawyer. Rest in peace, my friend. Deepest condolences to his family.

  9. Barry and I were good friends since the sixth grade in Pampa. We shared many memories of high school times spent riding around Pampa in all types and models of automobiles provided by his step father. Barry was always kind and considerate to everyone that knew him in Pampa. I am very pleased to know that Barry did so much for his community and church. I am confident that Barry is abiding in heaven with a host of saints worshipping and praising our Holy Trinity God ! May God continue to bless his earthly family and hold them close during this time of great loss. Larry Johnson

  10. I was sad to learn of Barry’s passing. I was honored to have met him and that I was able to try a case with him as a co-defendant last fall. He was a true gentleman in every sense.

  11. Hail to Barry! Rest in Peace my TADC friend. Blessings and prayers now and in the future to all of the extended family and friends. I will miss seeing and visiting with Barry at our events and meetings.

  12. So sorry to hear that Barry passed. He was one of the good guys, and always had a smile when he greeted you.

  13. I met Mr. Peterson only once, at OHMS restaurant, but was much impressed by his individuality and his lively mind. My condolences to Tisha.

  14. So sorry to learn of Barry’s passing. He was a good friend and a wonderful lawyer. While we had some cases with each other over the years, after we were through doing lawyer things we often talked about our shared heritage of our B-17 pilot fathers. My father was deputy base commander at RAF Mildenhall during the Korean War. That is the air base to which Barry’s father was headed when he was lost over the Atlantic. Barry and his father are reunited after all those years.

  15. Marcia and I will miss Barry. He was a wonderful next door neighbor and it was fun to watch him wade around knee deep cutting cattails or on a 12’ ladder hanging a plant. We will miss him and offer condolences to Tisha and his family but we take comfort in the knowledge that after his long battle he is home with God.

  16. To the family of Barry Peterson:
    May God give you His strength and grace during this time of loss. I was so sorry to learn of Barry’s death. He was a friend to me at First Baptist Church. He left a true legacy when he served as the Chairman of the committee responsible for the restoration of the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church. He was a man who could organize and work through the details of any project. His list of community involvement was endless . Organizations realized that Barry knew how to get things done. His actions helped so many people and community groups. His service to others is how I will remember Barry Peterson.

  17. I was so privileged to know Barry. I was the education secretary at First Baptist. Barry would always call me and ask for materials, or a phone number. He would always start the conversation by asking me how I was doing. He was a joy to work with and help. I will miss him. But I know he is healed and whole in heaven with our Lord and Saviour.

  18. We will all truly miss our dear friend Barry . He was so passionate in his faith and would share his deepest thoughts and experiences as a beautiful Christian in an imperfect world . When Barry shared with us in Marty’s Bible Study on Tues mornings , we would all grow more in our faith and love of Christ that we saw in Barry’s daily life.
    Barry would always ask about the concern of others who were ill and suffering . We can rejoice that Barry is now in the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ . We do miss you Barry until we can again rejoice in Heaven with you .

  19. Barry & I studied architecture at Texas Tech in the mid-1960’s! We had several ‘all nighters’ working on our assigned presentations due the next day be sure! We also cruised with other friends the campus in his Comet convertible! We bumped into each other several times over the years after leaving TT. Barry represented every fine & outstanding virtue anyone could! Prayers & kindest regards to his family & all who had the honor of his acquaintance!!! +T+

  20. Barry has been my attorney and friend for the last two years. He was a courteous, generous and caring Christian man. Barry I will never forget you and the legacy that you have left. I praise God that I had the privilege to know and associate with you. God bless the Peterson family; not a loss but a gain that he is now in supreme comfort with his Heavenly Father. Thank you Lotd again for Barry Peterson.

  21. Barry was not only my attorney but a true friend for the two years that I have known him. A generous, courteous and very mindful Christian was he. Barry you will not be forgotten but you are a legacy. Thank you God for the privilege to know such a great man.

  22. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father, Barry. He was a generous man who led a remarkable life.

  23. Barry was a true friend who was so committed to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens during my tenure as Executive Director at that institution. He was so supportive to the staff, myself and the entire organization. Our prayers and support are with Tisha, his family and the whole community who will so miss him. God bless!

  24. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your brother, Jona. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  25. Barry was a friend to so many and always served FBC with compassion.
    Before he became ill, he was persistent in asking me and my sister to sing, ‘I’ve just seen Jesus’ for his SS class on Easter.

    God’s Comfort and to All

  26. Grew up with Barry in Pampa Texas. He was constant outstanding witness to all to be a Life of Light. Barry fought and won the Victory in Jesus!

  27. Tisha sending our thoughts and prayers to you and the family. Through our faith we shall meet again one day.

  28. Barry was such a fine gentleman. The career advice he gave me many years ago, proved to to be a prophetic blessing. I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. I pray comfort for his family.

  29. Love to Tisha and family and friends-so very sorry to hear of his passing-but we all know exactly where he is-may he Rest In Peace- we will see you again Barry-love you Tisha-so very very hard 💕

  30. We miss him as a very special friend.

    May he rejoice in the arms of our Lord.

    Steve and Martha Walton

  31. OH my goodness – the fun memories Gary & I have had travelling with Barry and Tish – the road trip in England, laughing, laughing in the backseat – having so much fun! And then the bicycle trips – these memories will last for a lifetime.
    We loved him and appreciated him so much and I will always be grateful for knowing he prayed earnestly for me. Barry left an indelible mark on everyone that knew him. He will be sorely missed. We love and pray for you, Tisha!
    Love, Gary & Jody

  32. I will remember him as a very kind and warm person. I send my love and thoughts to everyone who was close to him.

  33. May God uphold the family with joyful memories of a life well lived by Barry. Our prayers are lifted for the loss you are feeling and that God will bring healing and peace through the memories you share.
    Lil and Mike Yates

  34. I prayed for Barry every day at 10:30 for a year I’m so sorry To hear of his passing. We will , it always hurts our hearts when a loved one is gone from us. My heart felt wishes to the family. Abby Faust

  35. Barry was a good man and friend. May he Rest In Peace. Our hearts & prayers are with Tisha and his family.

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