In remembrance of Tom Peterson
We are devastated to learn of the passing of KPRA family member, Tom Peterson. Please keep Tammy and the rest of the Peterson family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this difficult time.
Visitation on Sunday, December 19th at Ziegler Funeral Chapel in Dodge City from 1-6 p.m. with the family present from 3-5 p.m. We will follow with Dad’s funeral services on Monday, December 20th at 10 a.m. at the Expo Center in Dodge City. In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials be made to the Tom Peterson Memorial Scholarship in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel. 1901 N. 14th Ave. Dodge City Kansas.
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Empty Saddles by Kashly Van Petten
Thomas (Tom) Wade Peterson, 55, entered God’s arena on December 15, 2021 after heroically saving others in a tragic car accident in rural Grant County, Kansas.
Tom was born on July 17, 1966 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Jay and Carol (Miles) Peterson. He graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in 1993 with a B.S. in Agribusiness after rodeoing under the direction of legendary coach, Lynn “Doc” Gardner. Tom represented PSU in the bareback riding, bull riding and team roping, with partner Kent Crouch, at the 1989 College National Finals Rodeo in Bozeman, MT. While in Texas County, he met his lifelong partner, Tammy Gleason. They married on August 26, 1989 in Dodge City, KS. The couple completed their family with the addition of Camron Pace Peterson.
While Tom found success in his early years in the roughstock events, his true passion was team roping. It was his greatest love next to Tammy and Camron. Wind, rain, freezing temperatures or scorching heat couldn’t keep Tom from saddling to run a pen. He was known for practicing to the point of literally wearing out the legs of a Hot Heels and didn’t hold casual conversations without roping the MoJo horns or Pipes while conversing.
From local jackpots to rodeos and pasture ropings, Tom never missed a chance to enter. And he would enter with anyone who asked; kids just starting in the sport to longtime friends. He never told anyone “No” unless he was already full. He was generous with his entries, but his giving spirit really shined the brightest while helping others improve their craft. It is easy to say Tom was always willing to help kids excel in the sport, however, he didn’t shy from giving advice to anyone who had the desire to improve, regardless of age.
In order to help others so well, Tom was a constant student of the game. He used videos, podcasts, instructional web platforms and hours spent roping the dummy to learn how to breakdown the mechanics to better teach those around him. Although extremely talented with his rope, Tom was even a better hand with a horse. He had a rather odd infatuation for horses who had a few quirks about them, but with a little time and patience, he transformed those pickles into greats.
Tom sat astride too many good ones to name, still one of his most memorable accomplishments was reached while riding a big-headed sorrel named Paul at the 2008 Bushyhead Pasture Roping. To make the victory even sweeter, Tom followed his best friend, Gene Jett, to cinch the win. Both men were as giddy as two school girls while chasing that Longhorn bonus steer. Most recently, the tandem captured the 40/40 Team Roping average title at the Kansas Pro Rodeo Association (KPRA) Finals in Dodge City, KS to cap off many years, miles and victories together.
Even more precious than winning saddles and buckles himself was watching Tammy claim titles in the barrel racing. The two were undoubtedly a rodeo power couple and an inspiration to others on how to win together in life. Tom is now cheering on Tammy, Camron and all his team roping partners from the best seat at every arena.
