David Elliot Peterson, a devoted husband, loving father, brother, and entrepreneur, passed away on January 17, 2024 in his hometown of Houston, Texas. Born on April 2, 1946 to proud parents William Emil Peterson and May Elizabeth Johnston in the heart of Houston, David's life was marked by unwavering love for his family and an unyielding commitment to his God Jehovah whom he dedicated his life to in 1958 at the age of 12.
For nearly four decades, David served as a Master Plumber with unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship. His construction skills were second to none; he approached every project with precision and care. Yet it was not just his professional abilities that defined him – it was also the love and patience he poured into every aspect of his life.
David's devotion extended beyond the workplace; at home he was a pillar of strength for his beloved wife Joy Ann Peterson for almost 60 years and their three sons: Damon Adam Peterson and wife Tammie, Darren Anthony Peterson, Douglas Alan Peterson and wife Venna. He adored each one of them deeply and took great pride in watching them grow into remarkable individuals. David is also survived by his brother Scott Peterson and his wife Debbie, his sister Helen Davenport and her husband Tony, and preceded in death by his younger brother Gordon Peterson.
His grandchildren Dane Adam Peterson, David - James Andrew Peterson, and Elle Parker Peterson brought immeasurable joy into David's life. He cherished every moment spent with them imparting wisdom while creating cherished memories that will forever live on in their hearts.
In addition to being a dedicated family man, David found solace in sharing the teachings of his God, Jehovah through The Bible. His passion for spreading truth touched countless lives as he selflessly shared this message month after month.
When time allowed for leisure activities outside work and his ministry you could find him enjoying action and comedy movies or watching sports and even playing golf. These moments provided much needed respite from the demands of everyday life but more importantly they offered opportunities for laughter alongside loved ones.
The impact left by David’s generous spirit is immeasurable; those who knew him were blessed by his kindness which knew no bounds.
A memorial service honoring David Elliot Peterson will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery located at 13001 Katy Freeway Houston TX 77079 on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, at 10am.
Prior visitation times are scheduled for Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 from 4-6pm exclusively reserved for family members followed by friends from 6 - 8pm.
As we mourn the loss of such an extraordinary individual, let us remember that we look so forward to seeing David again soon when Jehovah fulfills his promise of a resurrection. (John 5:28,29)
DAVID E. PETERSON – THEOCRATIC HISTORY
From a young age, David immersed himself into serving his heavenly father, Jehovah.
David was one of the 7,136 who were baptized in 1958 at the Divine Will International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York City, at Orchard Beach.
He began vacation pioneering every summer up until 1962 and then he began regular pioneering in the 11th grade of high school and continued doing so after graduation. At the age of 18, he was appointed as the Bible Study servant in the Little York congregation.
After David married Joy, they regular pioneered for two years in the Little York congregation in Houston, studying with several families and individuals who came into the truth.
Then the circuit overseer encouraged them to move to a congregation where the need was greater. They moved to the Bryan, Texas congregation to help with building a new kingdom hall and assist the brothers and sisters.
While in Bryan, they were both appointed as special pioneers by the Watchtower Society. Then in 1968, they received their next assignment to assist a congregation in Mariana, Arkansas. The Society appointed David as the Congregation servant, Bible study servant, and Watchtower study servant, as he was one of only two elders serving there.
Then in 1970, they moved to West Helena, Arkansas to help build a kingdom hall and assist with that congregation.
He loved serving the friends and helping with the construction of kingdom halls in these areas as the Kingdom work was expanding.
Then in late 1972, with two little boys in the mix, David and Joy moved back to Houston and attended the newly formed Memorial congregation where over the years he served as the presiding overseer, congregation secretary, service overseer and theocratic ministry school overseer.
David also enjoyed many extended theocratic privileges and assignments, helping in the district convention organization such as the food service department, publicity/news service department, the bookroom, and convention administration. He also served as the circuit assembly overseer during circuit assemblies.
David served continuously for 60 years as a congregation elder with most notably the Memorial, Spring Shadows and Bear Creek congregations up until his death.
Truly, David set a fine example for his family and others in dedicating his entire life to “having plenty to do in the work of the lord” (1 Cor. 15:58)
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