Charles Marion “Pete” Peters

Charles Marion Peters
Charles Marion Peters

Charles Marion “Pete” Peters of Amarillo, Texas passed away on February 7, 2023.

Pete was born August 31, 1939, the fourth child of Charles Newton Peters and Mossie Marie Rich Peters, in Goose Creek Township, Illinois. He attended a one-room schoolhouse at various times during his formative years, followed by two years at Kenney High School, then graduating from Clinton High School in 1957. He was a farm boy by definition and acquired a variety of skills which were useful throughout his life.

At the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force and began his military service with Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas; he was then assigned to a base near Peoria, Illinois. Following assignments included Morocco, on the edge of the Sahara Dessert with temperatures reaching at times 140 degrees, then Northern Maine where the temperatures were sometimes 40 degrees below zero. Perhaps these extremes were merely a prelude to life in the Panhandle.

After four years in the military, Pete spent time in Massachusetts, then followed his parents to Amarillo which became home for the remainder of his life.

He joined the Amarillo Police Department, graduating from the Police Academy on December 1, 1962. In 1977 he was named Officer of the Year. During his tenure in the Training Division, he attained the rank of Sergeant. After 32 years of service, Pete retired from APD on January 31, 1995.

Pete was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He also loved watching ice hockey, especially the original Amarillo Wranglers.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, brother Max Peters, sister Aleta Wanderscheid, brother Raymond Peters, brother Phillip Peters, sister Jan Latino, and brother Steve Peters.

Survivors include wife Nancy Peters, daughter Rhonda Solis and husband David, daughter Cheryl Brooks and husband Greg, granddaughter Megan Peckham and husband Alex, granddaughter Kelsey Wandel and husband Lee, grandson Collin Brooks and wife Samantha, grandson Spencer Brooks and wife Rebecca, granddaughter Bailey Fenwick, granddaughter Amelia Solis, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers, 2800 Paramount. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel at the same address, followed by burial at Claude Cemetery.

The family suggests donations be made to Benefit Fund, c/o Amarillo Police Department, 200 SE Third, Amarillo, TX 79101, or High Plains Food Bank, P. O. Box 31803, Amarillo, TX 79120.

14 Replies to “Charles Marion “Pete” Peters”

  1. Sgt. Peters was my academy seargent, and my first real exposure to what a police officer is really like. Pete was the inspiration that countless Officers tried to live up too. I for one, will miss him.

  2. Pete Peters will be missed dearly. I remember Pete as the Favorite Police Officer at the Amarillo Wranglers Hockey Games back in the 1975, 1976 and 1977 seasons. He came into our dressing room after games and was a Great Guy. Pete was as friendly as they get. My condolences to the family and Rest in Peace Pete.

  3. What a wonderful supporter for all that is true and good! So memorable and popped up in my life 3 times, most recently last year with a long phone call.
    Thank you for sharing Pete with all of us in the community!

  4. I was very fond of Pete as he was quite a guy. I met him just before my first game with the Wranglers. My brother Marc introduced us. He became a true friend and was a big part of my becoming a Police Officer in Canada 🇨🇦. I went on patrol with him when I visited family in Amarillo and got way too involved in an investigation with him. We eventually got my Chief to send a letter to his boss explaining that we were doing a joint SWAT training session between our Canadian agency and the Amarillo department. We laughed about it for years as I ended up on the KAMR tv news at six. He came to our 35th Wrangler celebration and was embraced by all my teammates. God bless you Pete and all your family. You will live in my memory forever. Hope to see you at another time.
    Keep shooting straight and keep your stick on the ice.

  5. Sgt. Peters was an awesome guy. He gave me hell out of the academy until I gave it back. He always had your back when you needed him.

  6. A great man! The first Sgt I had as the academy Sgt. Later was my Sgt in the field on days. Learned a lot from this man, always seemed gruff but he cared and truly took care of this troops! A great loss and he will be missed. Prayers to the family during this time and after, it will be tough but know your will see each other again in Heaven!

  7. Pete was great friend and guardian angel to the Amarillo Wrangler hockey team from 1975-1977. He worked security at the games. He would come down to our dressing room after the games and say hi. At times he would let the players put on his police hat while he wore our helmets and posed for a picture. Pete stayed in contact with many of us for 40 plus years after the team folded. We went to a game together in Amarillo last winter. From all of us at Wrangler Nation, rest in peace Pete. We will all miss you greatly.

  8. Great man, great police officer, great friend and most of all great story teller. A real historian for the APD, knew more history and good stories than anyone. We were field Sergeants on midnights together, great times. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for he and his family.

  9. Our deepest condolences and prayers of comfort go out to Nancy and all of Pete’s family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss.

  10. RIP Pete. A great mentor to many of the Officers who were in the Academy with him in charge. Fond memories of his humor and friendship

  11. My academy, 42nd, was Pete’s first academy in the training division. Looking back he was a real character and could bring a smile to anyone.but had a firm hand. You will be missed Sgt but never Forgotten. Rest in Peace brother in blue.

  12. Oh how I will miss my teasing buddy!
    Tommy Lift and Joe Chance , will forever hold wonderful memories for me. I bet you are stirring things up there in Heaven.
    Prayers for comfort and peace for your precious family.

  13. Pete left his mark on the Amarillo Police Department. He will be greatly missed! He possessed a great attitude and always had a tremendous sense of humor. Prayers for his family who will definitely feel the void of losing him. Nancy, God be with you and all your family, Pete loved you all so dearly!

    Steve Davis

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