John Pershing Peden, Jr. of Houston, Texas died September 3, 2024, at the age of 77.  Johnny was born in Galveston on November 21, 1946, and adopted at birth by John Pershing Peden and Joyce Rehm Peden.  He used to joke that it was the best money they ever spent!  

After graduating from Texas City High School, he joined the National Guard.  Later, he attended East Texas Baptist college in Marshall where he earned a B.A.  He went on to earn a M. Div. from Southwestern Baptist in Fort Worth.  While in college, he DJ’d for a rock and roll station at night.  

Johnny’s seminary career began at First Baptist Church Galveston, where he became licensed, and he was ordained at Calvary Baptist Church in Longview.  After returning home from seminary, he served as the Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in LaMarque.  After being outed in the church, he turned his attention towards fighting for social justice for the LGBTQ community.  

Considering himself to be an activist at heart, Johnny became active in the Gay Political Caucus (now known as the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus) and worked on political campaigns for Eleanor Tinsley, Mickey Leland, Ann Richards, Kathy Whitmire, and Annise Parker.  He co-founded Crossroads, a support group for LGBTQ church workers and their allies.  His activism continued through organizations such as Integrity Houston/Interact Houston, Community Alliance of Houston, and EPAH. Additionally, he was active during the AIDS crisis, as his own former partner, Bobby Fillis, succumbed to the illness.

During his later career-life, Johnny worked in business and political consulting.  Most recently, he enjoyed officiating weddings in the Houston/Galveston area, speaking at local UU churches, and helping eligible voters get registered.  His greatest honor was being awarded a proclamation of Johnny Peden Day from Mayor Annise Parker on his birthday in 2011.  He loved spending time with his sister and he loved his hometown of Galveston, officiating many weddings on the beach and at the Grand Galvez.  

Johnny is survived by his sister, Sharon Kelley; nephew Raymond Franklin Jr. and wife, Audrey, nephew John Franklin and wife, Danielle, and niece Terri Hildebrand and husband, Brian; great-nephew Aaron Franklin and wife Sarah, and great-nephew Anthony Hildebrand; great nieces Anna Franklin, Emma Hildebrand, Natalie Kelley, and Rebekah Hildebrand.

Johnny is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother-in-law, Raymond Kelley, and numerous dear friends within the LGBTQ+ community.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 9th, at 2pm at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church located at 1900 Bering Dr, Houston, TX 77057.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Johnny’s memory to Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church or a charity of your choice supporting LGBTQ causes such as the Trevor Project or the Montrose Center.

In loving Memory of Johnny Peden