Marshall Bookman Peters '59

Marshall Bookman Peters, known as Bookman to friends and colleagues, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was raised in Navasota and at the age of 11, his family moved to Bryan. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1951, Bookman attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree where he made lasting friendships and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

After 2 years of service in the US Army, Bookman attended Texas A&M University (’59) earning a Master of Business Administration degree and became a Certified Public Accountant. Beginning his professional career in banking in 1961, he also taught as an adjunct lecturer in Finance at TAMU for several years. In 1962, when his family became involved with City National Bank of Bryan, Bookman served initially as President. After 26 years, Bookman retired as Chairman and CEO of the former First City Bank of Bryan, Texas.

During his tenure in banking, Bookman was involved in the greater banking industry serving as President of the Texas Bankers Association, Vice President of the American Bankers Association, Director of the Federal Reserve Bank (Houston), and Trustee and Dean of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, a program from which he was an alumnus.

Bookman served as a Founding Trustee and Treasurer of The Texas Housing Agency, a Gubernatorial Appointment of then Governor Bill Clements. He further served on the Board of Directors for Gulf States Utilities, an Advisory Director of Entergy Corporation, and Trustee of the Texas Presbyterian Foundation for 15 years.

Locally, Bookman served as Chamber of Commerce President, United Way Chairman, Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center President, Brazos Valley Industrial Foundation President, and member of the Bryan College Station Library Board. He was also known to support numerous philanthropic organizations.

Bookman’s involvement with Texas A&M University included serving as Chair and founding member of the TAMU Chancellor’s Century Council, member of the TAMU System Investment Advisory Committee, TAMU Mays College of Business Development Council, and the first Chairman of the TAMU OPAS Society Underwriters.

Bookman proudly served as a member of the Library Steering Committee, successfully securing the location of The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library at TAMU. He remained a member of the Advisory Board of the Bush School of Public Policy at TAMU until recently. Bookman was an honorary pall bearer for Former President George H. W. Bush.

His commitment to providing educational quality and opportunity led to Bookman’s endowment of a Finance Professorship in the TAMU Mays College of Business, a History Professorship in the TAMU College of Arts and Sciences and several student scholarships.

While a student at UT, Bookman met Patricia Ann Stehr of Dallas. They were married in 1956. During 38 happy years of marriage, they had an active family life, raised three daughters, Karen Ellen, Laura, and Eileen, and were involved in their church and extended community. Patricia died of breast cancer in 1995.

Bookman was fortunate to find love for a second time. In 1998, he married Florence Elizabeth Carter, a most cherished friend and love. They were to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary on August 15^th. Throughout their active and fulfilling years together, Bookman and Florence enjoyed traveling, both here and abroad. Their favorite place was the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, they called it “paradise.”

Bookman was honored in 1989 as Bryan College Station Citizen of the Year, received the 1994 Hero Award from the Texas Society of CPA’s, recognized in 1994 as an Outstanding Alumnus of TAMU Mays College of Business, was a recipient of the 2014 Hall of Honor from the Bryan ISD Education Foundation, and recognized by the Brazos Valley Arts Council for Lifetime Contribution to the Arts. In 2019, Peters was inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame.

A committed Christian and lifelong member of the Presbyterian faith, Bookman was a 78-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan. He served as a Deacon, Elder, Trustee, and on Session. Bookman and Florence were loyal members of The Word Sunday School Class. As a faithful servant of the Lord, he remained active with the church all his life.

Bookman’s family heritage allowed membership in The General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT).

We are thankful for the impact that Bookman had on the lives of those around him. His genuine thoughtfulness and unwavering friendship touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Bookman’s memory will forever inspire us to embrace life’s joys, cherish our loved ones, and strive to make a positive difference in the world.

Peters is predeceased by his parents Marshall Curtis Peters and Ellen Bookman Peters. He is survived by his wife, Florence, his daughters Karen Ellen Peters Anderson (Brian) of Arlington, Laura Stehr Peters of Houston, and Eileen Bookman Peters of Bryan, and his granddaughter Elizabeth Ellen Anderson of Dallas. Additionally, Bookman is survived by Florence’s daughter Carla Carter Schuster (David) of Kerrville, their sons Carter L. Schuster (Haley) of Madisonville, and Cameron W. Schuster (Charlotte) and their daughter Sadie Rose, of San Antonio. Bookman is further survived by his beloved brother Mervin Dansby Peters (Annette) of Bryan and their children Margaret Annette Peters of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and George Marshall Peters (Christina) and their daughter Celeste of New York City. Other surviving relatives include many Peters Family members and nieces Anja Stehr, Hilary Stehr Neidhart, and nephew Jonathon Stehr.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Carter Creek Parkway, Bryan, Texas 77802; Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26^th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803; or a charity of your choice.

For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas YouTube channel and posted to the Hillier Funeral Home website.