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John Pelton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 13, 2017.

COL (US Army, Retired) John DeWitt Pelton Sr, age 88 passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on May 12, 2017 at his home in Harmony Hall in Columbia, MD. He was a remarkable and deeply loved man who was in the constant presence of his family during his last months. He died as he lived with grace, dignity and a deep faith in God.

He entered the US Military Academy at West Point, NY, graduating in1952 and marrying Wynola Theresa Britton of Pawling, NY. After graduation, he served as a highly decorated Infantry Officer in the US Army for 30 years in a variety of command and staff positions, including assignments in Korea, Vietnam, Panama and the United States. A graduate of the US Army War College, his final assignment was Deputy Chief of Staff for Training at First US Army, Ft George G. Meade, MD.

In addition to his military service COL Pelton worked with the Cub and Boy Scouts of America, for more than 15 years in leadership roles from Cub Master to Scout District Chairman. He was also an avid lifelong model railroad enthusiast. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst, NC and was active as an usher and Bereavement Coordinator. He chaired the Sandhills Hospice Continuing Education Committee and volunteered in Moore Regional Hospital's Outpatient Oncology department.

COL Pelton was predeceased by parents, COL (US Army, Ret) Benjamin and Marion Pelton of Pawling, NY, his loving wife of 53 years and mother of his children Wynola (Nicki) Pelton, his daughter Susan Pelton of Concord, NH and by his second wife Joyce Omer Pelton. He is survived by his wife Rosemary Prunty Pelton of Bloomfield Hills, MI, brother Bruce Pelton of Orleans, MA, daughter Barbara Rifkin of Westford, MA, sons Maj (US Army, Retired) John D. Pelton, Jr of Columbia, MD and Benjamin W. Pelton II of Ellicott City, MD along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Col Pelton leaves behind a legacy of love of God, family and duty to country.

Services are:
• Thursday - May 18th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Family and friends are invited for visitation at the Witzke Funeral Home, 5555 Twin Knolls Rd, Columbia, MD 21045
• Friday - May 19th 11:00 am, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Louis "1889 Chapel" 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029
• Tuesday – May 23rd 11:00 am, Interment at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen, NC 28315

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gilchrist Hospice of Howard County.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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December 12, 2017

Military

Tom Copeland

I served under LTC Pelton in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in 1967. I never met an officer who cared about his men more that LTC John D. Pelton. I spoke with him a couple of times several years ago and he was such a delight. He actually remembered this lowly SGT and talked at length about a couple of our operations. While in Vietnam he used to walk the perimeter at night bringing dry socks to the troops. It is the little things that make a great man! May you rest in Peace.

June 15, 2017

John Rollston

It shames me to admit it took J.D.'s death notice to remind me of something I've known about him for 65 years, but never thanked him for it: In the three years he was my "wife", he taught me more about how to learn, love, & live a military life, than any other person or "thing" at the Academy... Duty, Honor, County could have been the title of a book about J. D.'s life. God bless him for it!
"Jeep" Rollston, I-2, B/G, USAF (Ret)

June 13, 2017

Ace Burkhard

As a son of the Class of 52, my deepest sympathies to the family. May you have nothing but warm and loving memories.

Alfred "Ace" Burkhard
COL (RET)
USMA Class of 1975

May 18, 2017

Lynn Bowman

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved him. I am thinking of you and your family.

May 18, 2017

Carhy Pelton

I don't want to cry because you are not with us, I want to smile because you were in my life. Love you Col.❤

May 17, 2017

From Vietnam to Fort Carson in 1970, I served under then LTC Pelton as Btn S4; Company Commander and S3(air). He was a great commander and a great soldier. It wasn't just lip-service, he really did care for the Troops. I remember Nicki and the kids fondly. The Colonel and Nicki had a great positive influence on Cynthia and I that has benefited us throughout our lives.
God Bless US All.
Tony Arnold, U.S. Army, COL (Retired)

May 17, 2017

John Pelton Jr

Pops, you will always be in our hearts, you made us who we are today. Enjoy heaven with Mom and Suzie, the Lord has great plans for you in heaven as he did on earth. Each hug we give here on earth will be a hug from you. - love John

May 16, 2017

John D. Pelton, Sr. (aka The Colonel) was a man of faith and much love. He loved and cared for our Mother - his wife, Rosemary, and for that we appreciate him so very much! Peace and our very deepest condolences to his Family.
Jacqueline Simmons and Laura-Lee Kelsey.

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Funeral services provided by:

Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc.

5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045

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