PELTON, Daniel C.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday, April 30, 2003 Daniel C. Pelton, born February 11, 1921 in Monticello, Sullivan Co., NY to Ralph and Jessie Kerr Pelton, died April 27, 2003. He graduated from Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL in 1943. From there he entered the US Navy and served in the South Pacific aboard USS Cobia, SS245. He was awarded his Gold Dolphins and made 5 war patrols. Following his time in the Navy, Dan taught Civics and American History in Monmouth, IL. Later he joined the FBI and served as a Special Agent in North Carolina, Indiana and finally in the Phoenix Office, Prescott and Flagstaff RAs for 27 years. Here in Phoenix he met his wife Birda Wilson. Dan was an adoring husband who not once in thirty-three years of marriage missed an anniversary. He was an active and loving father and a doting, fun, proud grandfather. His eight children and 10 grandchildren distinctly and happily resembled him "through osmosis". In addition to being a fantastic husband, father and grandfather, Dan was was an amazingly dedicated, determined and intelligent serviceman to his State and Country. He was a patient and energetic friend to his beloved Boston Terriers and that one darn black cat, Ebony. Dan will be forever remembered by his green olives, wafer cookies, tangerines, and of course his great steaks! Dan will be in our hearts for all eternity. May he rest in peace and have fun swimming with the dolphins. Dan is survived by his wife Birda Wilson Pelton, his daughters, Jane Lopez (Brian) Mary Anne Webb (Richard), Shannon Smith (Terry), Pamela Swanson (Robert), Linda Mazich (Michael) and his sons David (Vada), Jay (Enza), Michael (Mellena). In addition to his daughters and sons, Dan had 17 grandchildren, two grandsons Daniel Cantelme and Jason Pelton and eight granddaughters Jessica & Melissa Smoker, Lindsey Cantelme, Karianne & Ashley Pelton, Marissa, Tracie and Kristen Smith. He is also survived by granddaughters Cynthia, Beth, Jamie and Amy and grandsons Brian, Stephen and Timothy. Visitation will be held Thursday May 1st, from 6-8 P.M. at Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona. A Graveside Service will be held Friday May 2nd, at 9:30 A.M. at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.