Peter Ray Velazquez

Peter Ray Velazquez, lovingly known to so many as “Coach Pete,” passed away on February 25, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on December 3, 1973 to Diana Velazquez-Paschall and Peter Velazquez-Diaz, Peter lived a life defined by passion, loyalty, and an unwavering love for family, friends, and football.

Peter’s journey began in Washington State at Fort Lewis, Washington and carried him across the world — from Hawaii to Kentucky, even to Germany from Bamberg to Berlin — before his family eventually settled in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He graduated from Tahlequah High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Northeastern State University which he attended on a music scholarship. Professionally, Peter built a successful career in banking management, but he was never just a manager — he was “the people’s manager.” He believed in standing up for what was right, defending the underdog, and holding firm against dishonesty and bullying. His integrity and strength made him deeply respected and loved by colleagues and clients alike.

But Peter’s true calling — the very core of his passion — was coaching. Football was his heartbeat. As “Coach Pete,” he poured his heart into every practice, every game, and every young life he mentored. Coaching his sons and leading the Union Red was one of his greatest joys. To him, the team was family — not just the players, but the parents and the entire community that surrounded them. Under his leadership, Union Red became champions, but the real victories were the character, confidence, and brotherhood he instilled in his players. He didn’t just teach football; he taught life.

Peter’s love for the game extended far beyond the field. He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and cheered passionately for Oklahoma Sooners football. Fantasy football leagues, draft nights, and poker nights filled his home with laughter and camaraderie. His house was the gathering place — a home where friends became family.

Beyond football, Peter was gifted with an extraordinary voice. A talented tenor, he earned a music scholarship and had the honor of singing at Carnegie Hall. He sang at weddings and funerals, moving hearts with opera, Latin hymns, and classical pieces — sometimes even blending opera with Eminem, just to make people smile. His vocal range was remarkable, but it was the emotion behind his voice that people will never forget.

Peter was also a dreamer and a deep thinker. He loved the sky, the stars, and the mysteries of the cosmos. He was endlessly fascinated by space and scientific astrology, often contemplating the universe with wonder and curiosity. He carried that same depth into his conversations, always ready to discuss life’s biggest questions.

Above all, Peter was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his sweet and loving wife, Emma Jane (Thomas) Velazquez; his beloved sons, Dylan Ray Velazquez and Ryan Charles Velazquez; his parents, Diana Velazquez-Paschall and Peter Velazquez-Diaz; his brothers, Miguel Angel Velazquez, Joshua Lee Velazquez and his wife, Misty, Carlos Ramon Velazquez and his wife, Nicholle, and Samuel Jacinto Velazquez and his wife, Lili. He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews: Skylor, Owen, Kaybree, Kaiden, Emmalee, James, Alexandra, Andre, Nicholas and Melissa.

He is also survived by his “Jamma” his grandmother, his angel on Earth, Nita Murchison. Peter shared a special bond with his Mama Gisela, and her husband, Poppa Mac McHenry, his step-grandmother, Karen Paschall; the mother of his children, Ronda White; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who were blessed by his presence.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cecil Paschall, Charles Murchison, Pedro Velazquez Rivera, and Catalina Diaz Perez.

Peter lived boldly, loved fiercely, and led courageously. Family, Friends, and Football — that was his world. His impact echoes in every player he coached, every note he sang, every friend he gathered around his table, and every star that lights the night sky.

Coach Pete’s legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him, loved him, and were forever changed by him.