Alexander Phillips Peden

ALEXANDER PHILLIPS PEDEN passed away Sunday, May 30, 2004, at the age of 87. Known as Phil to his many friends, he is survived by his wife, Lois Lee, sons Phil Peden, Jr. and wife Mary of Medford, Oregon; Scott Peden and wife Janet of Bay City; a sister, Laura Louise Clark of Berkeley, California; grandchildren Jennifer Hamelet and Jeff Peden of Houston, John Peden of Bay City, Dr. Valerie Welch of Monticello, MN and Angela Day of New Orleans. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert F. Peden, Jr. Born September 14, 1916 to Robert F. and Laura Peden, Mr. Peden attended San Jacinto High School in Houston, graduated from Rice University in 1938 with a bachelor of Arts degree in English and attended George Washington University's School of Law. Mr. Peden was an involved student while at Rice University, and was active in the Student Association, Pre-Law society and the Rally Club. He was also on the Campanile Staff. After service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mr. Peden began the practice of law in Houston with his father; however, he spent most of his career as a dedicated and highly respected jurist. He served as Judge of the county court at law, then as a District Judge and spent 14 years as a Justice on the First Court of Appeals. He served as a Federal Bankruptcy Judge for 3 years. His combined service on all four courts was 33 years. Judge Peden was a Fellow of both the Texas and American Bar foundations and was a past chairman of the Texas Commission of Judicial conduct. He was a member of the Colonneh Club of Houston and his civic commitments were numerous, with service on several Boards of Directors including TransAmercian Natural Gas Corporation, St. Martin's Episcopal Church Foundation, and St. Luke's Hospital. As an alumnus of Rice University, Judge Peden was known for his active, loyal and generous support. He was elected to the executive board of the Association of Rice Alumni, serving as president for a two-year term in 1956 and 1957, He was recognized by the association with an ARA Meritorious Award in 1997. He was a member of the Rice University Founder's Society and served on the board of Student Aid Foundation Enterprises. For his avid support of Rice athletics, Judge Peden was named an honorary member of the "R" Association in 1985 and received the Spirit Award in 1991. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 1, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 2, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road with The Rev. Dr. Laurence A. Gipson officiating. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Rice University Colonneh Club Scholarship Fund (E20248), Box 1892, MS-81, Houston, TX 7725101892, or to St. Martin's Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056.