Pedro Thaddus Perez

Pedro Thaddus Perez (Pete) was born on July 31, 1987, in Dallas, TX, to Mary Lou Perez and Rudy R. Perez. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Janie Rosalas, Guadalupe Perez, and Juanita Harrington; grandfathers, Johnny Perez and Robert Harrington; great uncle Raul Reyes; great aunts Recarda Reyes and Mary Helen Garcia-who was also his godmother-and his father, Rudy R. Perez.
Pete was married to his high school sweetheart, Kayle Thompson Perez, and together they shared 14 years of love, laughter, and adventure. Their bond was strong and joyful, filled with shared traditions, private jokes, and heartfelt moments. Alongside their son, True-Tristan, they built a home full of warmth, music, and memories.
A Lifelong Passion for Sports and the Outdoors
Pete's passion for sports and outdoor adventure began at a young age. At just 4 years old, he played T-Ball with his childhood friend Kevin Langley. At 5, he received his first dirt bike-a Honda 30-which sparked a lifelong love for riding and the outdoors. Later, he became a standout runner on the cross-country team at North Mesquite High School, demonstrating the same drive and determination that would define much of his life.
At the age of 12, Pete fell in love with hockey, a sport that would remain close to his heart for the rest of his life. His father, Rudy, even created an ice hockey team called the Mesquite Ice Bandits, just so Pete and his friends could play together. Pete went on to make a lasting impact on the North Texas Hockey Association, organizing tournaments across multiple states to bring his hockey brothers together. Hockey was more than a sport to him-it was a brotherhood, a community, and one of the many ways he brought people together.
He also loved fishing, golfing, hunting, and ATV riding-devoting 100% of himself to everything he did. Whether tearing through trails, getting a buck, or casting a line, Pete lived with unmatched energy and enthusiasm.
A Dedicated Career and Mentor to Many
Pete worked for Epco for over 13 years, where he forged not only a successful career but deep, lasting friendships that he considered family. He possessed a powerful work ethic and a genuine passion for teaching. Pete made sure those around him not only learned the trade but loved it as much as he did. He helped many become skilled welders, giving them the confidence, grit, and opportunity to build their futures.
Pete never backed down from a challenge. His determination, charisma, and generosity were impossible to miss-and unforgettable to those who knew him.
Life of Adventure, Laughter, and Celebration
Travel was one of Pete's greatest joys. Some of his most memorable trips were to Costa Mujeres and the Dominican Republic, where he celebrated life surrounded by friends who felt more like family. Whether enjoying rare 30 oz steaks, keeping up Snapchat streaks, or embracing the thrill of blackjack and roulette, Pete brought fun, spontaneity, and presence to every moment.
He was known for his love of Snapchat, always capturing the moment, and his fearless appetite for life and food. His passion for cooking was on full display on his Snapchat. He loved blowing things up, both literally and figuratively-creating epic memories that matched his larger-than-life personality. He was pursuing his next adventure, becoming a stand-up comic.
A Family Man Above All
Family was at the core of Pete's world. He adored his wife, Kayle, and never missed a chance to make her laugh, often giving her funny nicknames (some too funny to share), dancing with her in the street, and falling asleep halfway through a new Netflix series. They spoiled each other with thoughtful gifts, enjoyed concerts, and shared a deep, playful love that lit up every room.
Pete's bond with his son, True-Tristan, was unbreakable. He loved sharing music with him, flying kites, playing catch, and attending School of Rock band performances. He was always in the stands for baseball, basketball, and football games, and never missed a play or performance. If his son was there, Pete was there.
After the passing of his father, Pete stepped up with strength and love. He ensured his mother felt cared for by taking her to concerts, Rangers and Dallas Stars games, and out to enjoy steak, fine cigars, and whiskey. He cherished his time with his big sister Adrienne and brother-in-law Manny, especially during their Jeep trips to Crystal Beach. Pete and his older sister Rudi loved jumping off the roof of their house onto the trampoline; this activity brought them joy as children and often got them into trouble.
During the holidays, Pete was the one to secure the coveted slice of pumpkin pie and was known for deep-frying turkeys and ducks for family gatherings. His voice, laughter, and energy filled every room, and his presence had a way of making even ordinary moments unforgettable.
Funckle Pete, The Crawfish King, and an Artist at Heart
Pete earned the treasured title "Funckle Pete", known for his booming laugh, crinkled eyes when he smiled, and the kind of joy that made kids-and adults-gravitate toward him. He made every gathering feel like a party, every celebration feel like an event.
He was also our beloved "Crawfish King," perfecting the Perez family tradition of cooking crawfish the week after Easter. Pete's generosity shone through here too, always making sure everyone else was taken care of before himself.
Beyond his love for welding and the outdoors, Pete was a gifted tattoo artist, giving tattoos to his family and friends with love and care. He mastered his craft over years of practice on those closest to him, leaving behind permanent marks of art and memory.
And finally, Pete's heart extended to his beloved dogs, Calypso, Harley, and Kora. They weren't just pets-they were his pride and joy, companions he cherished deeply.
A Legacy of Love, Grit, and Joy
Pete lived boldly, laughed loudly, and loved completely. He never met a stranger, never hesitated to lend a hand, and never missed an opportunity to make someone feel seen. His legacy is one of devotion, adventure, loyalty, and fun-a life so full that it spills over into the hearts of everyone who knew him.
He was unforgettable. And he always will be.
Pete "Loved Big" and "Lived Big."
Survived by his mother Mary Lou Perez, his wife Kayle Thompson Perez, his son True-Tristan Salas, his sister Adrienne Nikole and brother in law Manny Vazquez Flores II, their children, Malerie Hope, Corbin Alexander, Audrey Grace, Felicity Sky; his sister Dr. Rudi Elizabeth, and sister in-law Krista Jeanette McKay, and their children, Adelina Tegan Virginia, and Aiden Frances Perez; his In-Laws Chad and Kim Blades; Grandparents-in-Law Norma and Glen Griffin. His Great Aunts and Great Uncles Pete and Mary Helen Reyes, Samuel and Berta Reyes, Alex Reyes, Alice Reyes, Guadelupe Garcia his Godfather, Jesse and Chrisine Perez, Raymond and Irma Perez, Guadelupe Salazar; His Aunts and Uncles Tom and Cathy Perez, Tony and Ruth Thompson, Charlie and Joanna Guerra, Mark and Patricia Castleberry, Paula Gaitan, Johnny Allen Duron, Norris Harrington, Elizabeth Harrington, Mike and Sonia Montoya, John Paul and Carmen Perez, Luis and Zani Gregorich. And a litany of cousins and a countless list of those who called him Brother.