William (Bill) Lee Pelton

William (Bill) Lee Pelton was born May 22, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, to Albert F Pelton Sr and Louise Mildred Darr of San Marcial New Mexico. His father Albert F. Pelton worked his way from call boy to Superintendent with the Santa Fe railroad. Bill and his brother Albert Jr. had a wonderful childhood and Bill loved the family farm on Glenwood Street. Bill loved the animals and his horses Conejo, Major and Freckles. He would carry his love of animals through life and he had many pets over the years. Foxy, Lady, Shiloh and Brandy were all dogs that Bill loved deeply. His favorite cats were troublemaker Tricks, his lovely boy Roscoe and the precious beautiful white babies he rescued.

Bill was always extremely proud of his family heritage. His father ran the Santa Fe Round House and was vital in supporting troop missions in WWII, his brother and uncle William Hanson retired as a locomotive engineers, and many other Pelton’s worked building America’s commercial backbone. The families would always get together, play music and sing having great times together. Bill and his brother Jr were close throughout their entire lives and Bill is now reunited with his old bud. Many Peltons were Masons including Bill and his father who were both 32nd degree Masons. Bill served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict as an Electrician’s Mate rising to the rank of First Class Petty Officer within 4 years (a slick arm First Class in old Navy vernacular). Bill loved the sea and the Navy. He had a lot of great times with buddies while in the service. To take care of his ailing mother, he stayed in El Paso and was hired by the Standard Oil Refinery in 1956. Bill was blessed to work with several co workers he enjoyed. He retired from Chevron in 1992 after 32 years as a Unit Operator. Bill had many life long friends like Bob Garcia and Bill McCormick. Bill’s love for God, America, the military, family and friends never faltered.

On August 11th 1959 he married his beloved wife, Doris Elizabeth Hanschen. They shared 44 years of marriage and enjoyed their children, camping, outings, animals and gardening at their home that was custom designed for Doris whose favorite color was blue. Doris and Bill went on many adventures together and greatly enjoyed driving around the southwest enjoying the sights. Doris preceding William in death and most every week, Bill and his daughter, Frances, would pay respects to the family plots at Restlawn. Bill never recovered from losing his wife and looked forward to the day, with God’s grace, he would reunite with her and his loved ones who went on ahead to lead his way home to their Father’s house with many mansions. With his daughter and son present, William Lee Pelton passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2013, at the age of 82.

He is survived by his daughter and caregiver Frances L Pelton, son Commander, USN W. Lee Pelton, his wife Nancie Salvato Pelton and granddaughter Rachel Leigh Pelton of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He adored his granddaughter, always wrote her notes and kept her in his heart and thoughts every day.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Doris E Pelton, daughter Cheryl Leigh, parents, Albert F Pelton Sr and Louise Mildred Darr and one brother, Albert Francis Pelton Jr.

A memorial service will be held at Tuesday 5-9pm February 5, 2013, at the Martin Funeral Home Central. Graveside services will be at Restlawn Cemetery at 1:00pm on Wednesday.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Martin Funeral Home-Central 3839 Montana Ave (915)566-3955