Peden was admitted to the bar in 1939 and commenced the practice of law in Altus, Oklahoma.

[1] While serving overseas Peden sent a notification and declaration for the office of Congressman to the election board and subsequently received the nomination.

He served as staff member of the Public Lands Committee of the United States House of Representatives in May 1949.

He served as director of governmental affairs of the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry from 1954 to 1980, while a resident of La Grange, Illinois.

[3] Peden moved to Walnut Creek, California, and lived there until his death on June 27, 1985, (age 70 years, 364 days).