Dr. Ekwere Johnson Peters

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart, I announce the passing of my beloved father, Professor Ekwere J. Peters, on Monday, March 17, 2025. He was 77 years old.

My father was from Ikot Eyo, Nsit-Ubuim LGA, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. He was an educator, mentor, academic advisor, and professional engineer in Petroleum and Chemical Engineering. He was an active member of Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, Inc, (AKISAN), Ubium Development Association (UDA), USA, Inc., and Ikot Eyo Association in Diaspora (IEAD).

My father retired from UT’s Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering (PGE) department in 2011 after 30 years of teaching. He held prestigious academic positions, including the Frank W. Jessen Endowed Professorship and the George H. Fancher, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Petroleum Engineering. His courses, including Drilling and Well Completions, Production Technology, and Pressure Transient Analysis, were highly regarded. He authored three widely respected books on Advanced Petrophysics, and his three-volume set of textbooks, based on decades of research, remains a reference for professionals and students alike.

He was one of only five professors in the 85-year history of UT PGE to be awarded the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus. He also received multiple teaching awards, including:

• Texas Excellence Teaching Award (1984)

• Petroleum Engineering Teaching Excellence Award (1987, 1992, 2010)

• Petroleum Engineering Faculty Leadership Award (1985, 1988, 1996)

• Cockrell School Engineering Foundation Faculty Excellence Award (1981, 1989, 1998)

He was widely respected for his contributions to flow through porous media and petrophysics. He published over 70 research papers and was instrumental in pioneering the application of CT and NMR imaging technologies for improved oil recovery and environmental remediation.

To honor his contributions, the University of Texas System Board of Regents established the Ekwere J. Peters Endowed Scholarship in Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering. His books, including the Advanced Petrophysics series, continue to be sold worldwide, inspiring new generations of engineers.

A man of integrity, wisdom, and kindness, my father was loved and admired by his peers, students, and community. He was well-mannered, approachable, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Beyond his professional and community engagements, my father was a passionate sports lover. He once played for Austin FC, while his son, Keaton, currently plays junior football in Houston, Texas. One of my favorite early memories was accompanying him to Zilker Park for his weekly soccer game. His son also enjoyed kicking a ball around with dad on many occasions. My father’s love for soccer was unparalleled – he collected and meticulously recorded hundreds of matches from the U.K. leagues and World Cup tournaments.

My father was a man of many talents. He was a skilled amateur photographer with a large collection of photographs collected over the years. He took pictures of family and friends, interesting buildings, interesting travel destinations and more. He was handy with a sketch pad and could sketch by freehand. He was extremely computer savvy and was known to create educational-themed computer games for me when I was a child.

My father was a very good cook. He loved to barbeque. He was skilled at cooking Nigerian cuisine and would often cook my favorite Nigerian dishes upon request. He loved spicy food. He created his own habanero hot sauce that was so hot that your eyes would water just by smelling it.

Despite his busy schedule, he always prioritized family. He adored his grandson and cherished every moment spent babysitting him. He also lovingly cared for my pets whenever I traveled. I will forever miss our backyard barbeques and the joy of our family gatherings.

My father was a devoted family man who selflessly supported his extended family. His departure feels like a dream, but we take comfort in knowing that he is now in a glorious and heavenly place, free from pain and sorrow.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Unwa Peters, two children, a grandson, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, cousins, in-laws, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Daddy, our hearts are heavy with sorrow, but we will cherish your memory forever. We are grateful to God for the beautiful years we shared with you on this earth. Rest in glorious peace with God. One day, we will meet again.

Eno Peters

Daughter

For the Family

Austin, Texas

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in memory of Dr. Peters can be made to the "Ekwere J. Peters Endowed Scholarship in Petroleum & Engineering, 57-1063-1220, 408/16" at the University of Texas at Austin, by donating online at www.giving.utexas.edu/ekwere, by calling 1-866-4UTEXAS (488-3927) or by mail at 1 University Station, Mail Stop A3000, Austin, Texas 78712. When sending a donation by mail please make sure to include the full name of the scholarship and reference number as written in this posting.

A visitation for Dr. Ekwere Johnson Peters will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 28, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749. A graveside service will occur Friday, March 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park, 6300 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78749.