In Loving Memory of John Howard Pelton, April 9, 1941 – April 9, 2025

On April 9, 2025, at 9:41 PM, exactly eighty-four years to the day after he entered this world, John went home to be with the Lord. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Sonja T. Pelton, he is now reunited with her, dancing on golden streets under eternal summer skies.

Born on a Wednesday, April 9, 1941, he left us on a Wednesday, April 9, 2025, closing a perfect circle written by God’s own hand.

A proud veteran, John served his country with courage and honor, carrying the lessons of sacrifice into every day of his civilian life. He never sought praise for his service; he simply lived it - protecting, providing, and loving. He saved lives during his Navy career and later as a police officer. He loved airplanes and loved to fly. He loved to tinker around with fixing cars, and things around the house for mom. He had many friends and always lent a helping hand whenever someone was in need.

He married the love of his life in 1962, Sonja Totiana (Sillanpa) Pelton, and together they built a home overflowing with love, warmth, laughter, and loyalty – together for 61 years. Survived by three children, John H. Pelton II (son), Lisa J. Pelton (daughter), and Suzanne M. Singh (daughter), who grew up knowing they were cherished beyond measure. Grandchildren, Jeffrey D. LeBeau, Jennifer L. LeBeau, Jonathan E. Nelson, Jesse T. Nelson, Nicole Mohamed (Hoffman), Shawn Mayer, William Mayer, and great-grandchildren, Lillian L. LeBeau, Azalea Arcand, Daniel LeBeau, Dylan LeBeau, Connor Mayer, Hannah Mayer, Morgan Mayer, Amber Mayer, Olivia Mayer, Jenna Osman, Nasra Mohamed, Seid Mohamed and Yasmin Mohamed, and more - all brought him the purest joy throughout his life and in his final years. As well as a host of family and friends whose lives were made brighter by John’s love and friendship.

John was a man of deep integrity: hardworking, kind, quick to laugh, slow to anger. He called just to ask, “How are you?” and to say, “I love you,” fixed anything broken with patient hands, and made every ordinary moment feel sacred. He loved telling us stories when we were little about the bugs and bees that he fought in the Navy that were as big as cars, and we won’t forget his off tune humming to his favorite music artists. He was a joy to be around. His love was steady, generous, and unconditional—the kind that leaves fingerprints on your soul forever.

A celebration of his life will be held at a private gathering with his children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a veterans’ charity.

Dad, we do not say goodbye. We say thank you for the love, the lessons, the legacy. Until we meet again, we will remember you with love, always. With all our love, your children and grandchildren.

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