Robert Alvin Peterson, II., affectionately known as “Big Pete”, 45, of Waco, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Mass of Christian Burial: 1PM Thursday, January 23 at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption, West with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco.
Rosary: 5PM Wednesday, January 22 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Visitation: 6 to 8PM Wednesday, January 22 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Robert Alvin Peterson, II. was born January 16, 1980, to Robert Alvin Peterson and Janet (Maler) Peterson in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Big Pete was a native of West, Texas and he graduated from West High School in 1998. After graduation he attended TSTI meat processing school and worked a short time at Nemecek and RR Processing. In 2001 he joined the McLennan County Sherrif’s office jail division and took the position of Jailer.
In 2003 he married his first wife and in 2007 he became daddy to Carley Ann Peterson. Carley was the center of his universe, his “big girl”, princess, and the sparkle in his eyes. He was so proud of his baby girl, and he prided himself on being her daddy. Big Pete never missed a first day of school, loved watching his big girl play ball, and their daddy daughter dates. He was an amazing daddy to his big girl and loved her with all his heart and soul.
In 2010 he was selected to attend the MCC Police Academy, graduated, and was sworn in as Deputy. Shortly after was reassigned to the MHMR/warrants division at the McLennan County Sherrif’s Office. He later was assigned to the personnel division where he remained. Big Pete was honored to be a Sheriff’s Deputy and prided himself in his work ethic. He was a mentor to so many throughout his career. He never met a stranger and was always more than willing to go above and beyond to help everyone.
While working at the jail he met his current wife, Rose. In October 2010 they were married. She is the love of his life and best friend. They loved to travel, cook, any and all new adventures, but their most favorite place to be was with each other anywhere and everywhere. They are true soulmates and their immense love for each other was evident to all.
Big Pete’s favorite pastime was watching sports, mainly baseball and football. He was a true ride or die Dallas Cowboys fan, he loved his Texas Longhorns, and Rangers Baseball. But the games he enjoyed watching the most was his big girl playing softball with the West Trojans.
Big Pete was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Jimmie Dae Maler, Claire and Zoe Peterson of Wisconsin, and his father Robert Alvin Peterson.
Big Pete is survived by his wife, Rose Peterson; daughters, Carley Ann Peterson, Amber and husband Jimmy Quinonez, and Celeste Campos and fiancé Leticia Salinas; mother, Janet Peterson; mother-in-law, Louise Ortega; father-in-law, Joe Vargas; sister, Shawn and husband Tim Buchanan; sister-in-law, Dianne and husband Adan Rosales; niece, Rebecca Buchanan; nephew, Ethan and wife Savanah Buchanan; niece, Crystal and husband Rudy Vargas; nephew, Ramiro Roque; niece, Patricia and husband David Mata; and four grandchildren, Bryson, Justin, Cameron, and his little Luna (Lu-bu as he called her). He is also survived by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and beloved Peterson Pooches; Babygirl, Bella, and Bruno.
Big Pete was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and second favorite title aside from Daddy, he was an amazing Popo. He was the favorite of his mom’s 2 kids (inside joke). As he always said, “everybody loves Big Pete.” He had so many friends and a big heart. His untimely death is a tremendous loss felt by all. There are no words to describe how greatly he will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to Special Account, c/o Genco Credit Union for Pete’s daughter, Carley’s education fund; (contact: Rose Peterson or Jan Peterson for more information).
Print Obituary & Condolences
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿My Prayers Are That You All Feel The Presence of THE MOST HIGH GOD’S Comfort and Peace and Love! Sending My Sincerest Heartfelt Prayers, Love, Respect and Condolences 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Praying that Rob’s friends and family find peace and comfort together with the Holy Spirit. Amen
Dear Peterson family:
My sincerest condolences on Robert’s passing. He and I were friends in our younger years and rode bus 31 together. The Ross kids always had lots of fun. He will always be part of good memories. Sending love to the entire family for strength and comfort.
My heart goes out to you Rose. I am so sorry for your loss.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Bud Garretson
Jay & Kathy McDaniel
Rob you will be truly missed. You were definitely one of a kind. I loved hearing you refer to my bestie as “Mi Amor” and I will miss hearing that. You left your mark on everyone that knew you. I can’t understand why you were chosen so soon my heart is having a hard time understanding this. You are/were the love of Rose’s life. I’ve been praying so hard that she can feel your love from Heaven. Save us a spot and watch over us all. Until we see you again, Rest Easy Rob. We love you!
I was a class mate of Robert’s from West High School. He was always a nice person and good friend in school. I pray his family can find peace. My sincere condolences to the family.
Big Pete was definitely liked by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rose, his daughter and the rest of the family. May God give you all strength and comfort.
Ms. Rose & Family,
I have no words for you or the family other to say how sorry I am.
Big Pete is an appropriate description for all things to describe him. Big personality, Big lover of life, Big character, Big laugh, Big friend, and Big Big Lover of ALL things Rose. Being around Pete and Rose for over two minutes, you knew what they have was beyond special. You could go on about Pete but his family already knows all of these things and much more.
I’m grateful for knowing Pete and the kind of individual he was. Professionally speaking, it was an honor and a privilege to have worked with and alongside Pete. Thank you Pete. Job well done.
Thank you Rose for sharing Pete with the rest of us!
We are so sorry for the loss of Robert. Many Prayers, love, and peace for Rose & the family.
“Pete’ Pete” was my friend, to say the least. Pete was a better friend than I was to him-sorry.
My heart is broken for you Rose and your family. I know that it seems like the other day; me and you had just started working at the Jail and going to jailer school together and Rose was my SEG partner on D/Shift. We had Duzy times. But now he is with my other brothers (from MSO) that we’ll see again -soon.
It was truly an Honor and Privilege to have known Pete as Friend and Coworker. He made me a better person to say the least. Words are words …
I’m having a hard time saying what my heart feels…its broken and God’s comfort is needed as well.
I pray for y’all to have God’s Comfort & Gracy- My Family Thoughts & Prays continually with You and Your Family.
My deepest condolences to you and your family Pete. I know you are in heaven now, because you are a good man. I worked with him at the Sheriffs Office. I know him to be a great family man with a smile on his face most of the time, because he was a happy man. Pete was well respected by all and a professional. I am sorry to hear of his passing, because he made the world a better place with him in it. I am honored to have worked with you, see you again brother.
Sending our most sincere condolences to all the family. Pray that God welcome Robert with open arms. Praying for all the family that they find peace and comfort during this difficult time God Bless!!!
Prayers to the family .
I was deeply saddened to hear of Big Pete’s passing. I had the privilege of being his neighbor for almost 14 years and I’ll always remember his kindness. His hand was the first I shook when I moved in, and that moment always stood out to me as a warm welcoming gesture. He truly was a great neighbor and will be missed by many.
Rose, I am so very sorry for your loss!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones at this most difficult time. May God comfort you all. Lillie Motacek ( Elena’s mother in law).
Rose, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know we’re thinking of your family during this difficult time and wishing you comfort and peace.