John Owen Pever

John Owen Pever, 87, was born to Hollis Thurman and Clara Mabel Pever on August 31, 1938 in Houston, Texas. He passed from this life into eternity with his Savior on July 29, 2026 in Spring, Texas. John grew up in the Heights of Houston and graduated from Reagan High School in 1956 where he enjoyed running track and made lifelong friends. In spite of his parents’ trepidation at having another son in the military, John was eager to join the Army and did so upon graduation. He was stationed in Germany where he excelled as a helicopter mechanic. For the rest of his life, he loved to share memories of his time serving two tours in the Army. Upon his return to civilian life, he studied Agriculture and Industrial Arts at Sam Houston State University before beginning his career at Anadarko Petroleum where he eventually retired as a senior operator. Having come to faith and been baptized at age seventeen, John lived his life grounded in his faith in Christ and showing kindness to all. He made friends everywhere he went and was generous with his time and belongings. “Daddy, can I have this?” “Sure, you can! Help yourself,” was his ever-ready refrain. He was an excellent cook who not only enjoyed finding and following recipes but especially loved to create his own. Even toward the end of his life when he dutifully tracked his blood pressure, his doctors would sometimes open his home-health log to find a recipe he’d written out and tucked away. He never met a stranger and wanted to be a friend to all. That never changed. John was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He became a guide on Lake Conroe after his retirement, combining two things he enjoyed: fishing and people. His favorite places to fish were, of course, Lake Conroe and also Matagorda Bay. He holds a Texas Parks and Wildlife record for a Hybrid Yellow Bass he caught in 2008. John was also a self-taught musician. He learned the harmonica and also played guitar until arthritis in his fingers would no longer allow. But, his great musical love was his piano. There he played beloved hymns and all sorts of songs, picking out tunes and chords by ear, never having learned to read music.

He loved to embellish his musical creations with his signature glissando slides.

He enjoyed playing for his loved ones but also loved playing for the pure enjoyment he received for himself. Many times he was surprised by family and friends who had come in the house unannounced to be greeted by one of his concerts. So caught up in his music, he wouldn’t notice anyone standing before him at the piano until he’d finished his song and paused to look up. His creative mind also led him to pursue woodworking and gardening as hobbies. Many times his yard won Yard of the Month because of the personal care he showed in tending each of his beautiful flowering plants. The flowers weren’t just for the yard; he loved to bring them in to enjoy in vases or to give them to his wife and loved ones. In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his older brothers, Dale and Don Pever, and sister, Martha Crowson.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jean Pever, and adoring daughters Julie (Steve) Thompson and Jodie (John) Reed. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren who so loved their Pawpaw: Josh, Jenna, and Jonathan Thompson, Reagan (Karen), Ashlyn, Owen, Jacob, Ryland, and Layli Reed, and great-grandchild, Rylynn. Many nieces, nephews, other beloved family members and dear friends also survive. Ten years ago, John was asked by a nurse about the boat anchor/cross he wore around his neck: “Are you a Navy man?” He replied: “No, I was actually in the Army. I wear this because I've always loved to be on the water and to fish and the cross is because Christ is my anchor." Today, his faith has become sight and his Anchor has born him safely over to the celestial shore, secure in The Everlasting Arms. Death is swallowed up in VICTORY! We will see you again soon. The Smith family and employees of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home offer our condolences to John's family and friends