Hadley Elroy "Roy" Peterson

February 6, 1937 - January 28, 2022

Hadley E. Peterson (Roy) of Tulsa, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, cousin, and friend passed away suddenly in the midst of an extended family gathering, on January 28th. Roy was born Feb. 6, 1937 in Skiatook, OK, and was predeceased by his parents, Howard L. Peterson and Jewel Ecker Peterson Baker, his wife of 40 years, Patricia Ann Clough Peterson in 2001, and his maternal grandparents, William Marshall and Bessie Mae Ecker. Roy attended Will Rogers High School, where he graduated in 1955. He loved all sports and played baseball from age 7 years through college, and then, professionally. He lettered in baseball, football and basketball at Will Rogers. Roy pitched on the Will Rogers High School State Championship team. He was awarded a full baseball scholarship from Oklahoma A&M University, which became Oklahoma State University. Roy was team captain of the OSU baseball team that worked their way to the 1959 College World Series. Roy pitched the final game, winning the first and only National Title for OSU. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education, and while at OSU, he met his wife, Patricia Clough of Oklahoma City, and they were married in 1959. After graduating, he continued recruiting for OSU's baseball and football programs. In 1960, Roy was recruited as a pitcher by the New York Yankees, and rose through the ranks of that organization for 4 years until a shoulder injury ended his baseball career. He had an amazing experience as a Yankee and was part of the legendary Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Roger Maris era. Roy was always very modest about his accomplishments, but when we asked, he would tell us some great stories. Roy and Pat had 3 children; Kirk Peterson and wife, Jan, Cleburne, Texas, daughter, Kerrie Peterson- Bussone and husband, Pete Bussone, New Braunfels, TX, and Dr. Kyle Peterson, and wife, Laura, The Woodlands, TX. Roy was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and loved being the head of such a large and loving family. Roy's Texas grandchildren are: Justin, Austin, and Anna Peterson, Ariel and Miranda Contreras- Peterson, Emma, Jack and Kyle Bussone-Peterson, Hadley, Henry and Matilda Peterson. Oklahoma grandchildren are Amber, Rocky and Stoney Drake, Jason Tracy, Krista Tracy Brewer and husband Cliff. We are so thankful that Roy got to shower love on our great grandchildren as well; Ezekiel Railey, Clearwater, Florida, Karsyn, Chevy and Reed Brewer Broken Arrow,OK, and Dottie Denby, Austin, Texas. Roy went on to a successful business career, joining Bud Wilkinson in his newly formed Pan-American Life Insurance Company as Marketing and Sales Manager. During Roy's tenure, he developed a marketing and payment plan that is still being used throughout the insurance industry. Pan Am was sold, leading Roy to form his own Insurance agency in Tulsa and Edmond, Oklahoma and then moved to Flower Mound, TX with his family. Roy continued in the insurance business for many years eventually turning to real estate development and management with properties in Oklahoma, Texas and the Bahamas. Roy was always wheeling and dealing literally to the very end. In 2011 Roy married his high school sweetheart and OSU classmate Patricia Howard Tracy, and Roy added Pat's children to those he loved; John Tracy and wife, Kim, Broken Arrow, OK and Lisa Tracy, Stillwater, OK. Roy and Pat loved traveling and visiting their combined families of 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Together Roy and Pat worked through their bucket list traveling across the United States, Europe, South and Central America, South Africa, China, Antarctica and the North Pole. Everyone who met Roy, knew to expect a bear hug, and a lot of fun, along with a meaningful conversation. He was a man never met a stranger, and was always willing to help out a friend or a stranger. Roy will be remembered for being a loyal, positive, caring person, with boundless energy and love of life, family and adventure. He lit up the room with enthusiasm and joy when he entered. He lived and loved with a heart bigger than Texas. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him, but we know our loss is heaven's gain, and we will be together again one day. A service to celebrate Roy's life will be held at Moore's Southlawn Chapel on 51st Street at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 12. The service will also be broadcast live and can be accessed through the website www.moorefuneral.com . In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in Roy's name to the National MS Society Texas | National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org) or a charity close to your heart. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com