David Peters, a qualifier for the 1986 National Finals Rodeo in bareback riding and the brother-in-law of ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Beaver, died April 4 in an automobile accident near Navasota, Texas. He was 48.
According to a report filed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Mr. Peters was traveling on a rain-slickened Highway 90 when his vehicle hydroplaned and veered into oncoming traffic. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr. Peters was co-owner of Team Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep dealerships in Huntsville and Navasota and was traveling between the two at the time of the accident. A PRCA member since 1979, Mr. Peters was a two-time NIRA regional bareback riding champion.
In 1986, he married his wife, Jackie (Head), and qualified for the NFR. During that time, he entered the car business and built and maintained several dealerships. He was also a member of the New Waverly Independent School District school board and First Baptist Church of Huntsville.
Funeral services were held April 8 in Huntsville.
Mr. Peters was born March, 16, 1960, in Rochester, N.Y. His family moved to Plano, Texas, when Mr. Peters was in kindergarten, and he later graduated from Plano High School. He attended college at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, and transferred and later graduated from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.
Mr. Peters was preceded in death by his father, Clair Richard. He is survived his wife, Jackie Peters; mother, Ellen Peters; brother, Steve Peters; daughter, Dalyn Peters Hillman; son, J.C. Peters; son-in-law, Scott Hillman; grandsons, Corbin and Guhnar Hillman; and in-laws, J.J. and Willie Head and Jenna and Joe Beaver.
Donations may be made to the David Peters Scholarship Fund at First National Bank of Huntsville.