Coach Bobby Peters

Bobby Glen Peters, born April 11, 1936, passed away peacefully in his sleep on sunny Sunday morning, January 12, 2025. Born to Lillie & Wedsell Peters, Bob was raised in Van, Texas, and attended Van schools. He played football in high school, establishing several records, some of which have never been broken. He attended Baylor University on an athletic scholarship and played an instrumental role in Baylor being the 1957 Sugar Bowl Champs with a win over #2 nationally ranked Tennessee. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, but injuries kept him from an NFL career.
His coaching career included school districts in Victoria, Van and Brazosport. His final coaching position was at Howard Payne University in Brownwood where he and his family maintained membership in the Brownwood Baptist Church. Bobby married his long time high school sweetheart, Nadaha Riley. They were married for 69 years.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his three adult children, Kyle Peters, Leslie (Scott) McCracken, and Laura Giles; grandchildren, Riley Jayne Giles, Callie Giles, and Bryce McCracken; and siblings, Beverly (Paul) Sellers, Carolyn (Nathan) Lee, and Linda (Steve) Stewart. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Robert (Shannah) Lee, Paul M. Sellers, Traci (Tommy) Abbott, and Erica Richardson; brother-in-law, Alan Riley; and an uncle, Bill Geddie.
Much loved by his family; Bob was respected by those who knew him. He practiced an old school philosophy---his word being his bond, he could be counted on to do what he said. Like one long term associate said, "There's only one Bobby Peters. He lived a full and rich life."
As one of his former football players, we respected him as he held us to high expectations. We have all now left the playing field, but he is remembered as a role model who fostered skills that could be utilized the rest of our lives. Skills in leadership and standing on principles of right and wrong. What's fair is fair. What's wrong is wrong. That was Coach Peters. He stood his ground for what was fair; what was right. I would say that "There's only one Coach Peters."
A private service will be held by the family at a later date.