Longtime OBU Friend Peitz Passes Away

Lawrence Peitz, a long-time friend and honorary alumnus of Oklahoma Baptist University, died Monday morning in Tulsa. He was 92.

The funeral service was Wednesday, May 12, at the First Baptist Church of Tulsa.

The family has asked that memorial gifts be made to either Oklahoma Baptist University, the First Baptist Church of Tulsa or the chaplaincy program at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa.

"OBU has truly lost one of its finest friends," said Dr. Mark Brister, OBU President. "The support of Mr. Peitz and the Tulsa Royalties Company has left an indelible mark on this great institution. His leadership has touched countless lives and will continue to do so for generations to come. He will be missed."

Mr. Peitz led the effort to transfer assets of the Tulsa Royalties Company (a private philanthropic trust) to OBU in the early 1990s, which provided the lead gift for the Bailey Business Center. The assets of TRC continue to provide support for unrestricted operations of OBU.

Peitz and the Tulsa Royalties Company also provided significant financial support to OBU dating back to the mid-1960s, supporting projects ranging from construction of the Geiger Center; the Mabee Fine Arts Center; the renovation of the Mabee Learning Center; renovation of WMU Dorm; construction of Peitz Plaza; support for the Wood Science Building and the Bailey Science Museum; renovation and furnishing of the Jent Alumni Center; and support of computer/equipment purchases for numerous academic areas throughout campus.

These are just some of the highlights; significant support was provided to numerous other academic and capital projects for more than 30 years.

A native Oklahoman, Mr. Peitz was a product of the Great Depression. Peitz's college years were divided between studying and sweeping floors, running a paper route, and several other odd jobs. His association with William S. Bailey began in 1939, when he bought an oil and gas lease for the Tulsa oil man. Their work in the oil field leasing and royalties management led to the creation of the Tulsa Royalties Company in 1951. Peitz handled the company's business details, serving as long-time president.

Peitz was a member of First Baptist Church, Tulsa for more than 60 years where he served in many leadership positions. Peitz and his late wife, Ruth, are the parents of two OBU graduates, Gary Peitz, class of '63, and Mary Jane Howarth, class of '67.

Mr. Peitz has been extensively involved with OBU over the years and received numerous honors as a result. In addition to being named an honorary alumnus, he was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the OBU Alumni Association. Peitz Plaza, on the OBU campus, was named for him, and the Lawrence A. Peitz Chair of Business was established in 1991.