Donald Wesley Pelton Jr.

Donald Wesley Pelton Jr., educator and sportsman, passed away after a long illness, October 31,2014 in Jacksonville, FL. He was born June 26, 1936 in Miami, FL, where he resided for 71 years, prior to moving to Jacksonville with his wife, Margaret, in 2008. He held a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Colorado, an undergraduate degree from the University of Miami. He taught vocational education to Jr. & Sr. high school students for the Miami Dade County school system for 27 years, until he retired in 1991. Donald's ancestors date back to 1630, when John Pelton established a home in Boston, MA. Joseph Pelton fought in the American Revolutionary War in NY state, under Gen. George Washington. Donald Pelton was a member of numerous heritage and charitable organizations, including: Sons of the Revolution; Sons of the American Revolution; The Society of the War of 1812; Sons of the Confederacy; The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida, as a Master Mason; Scottish Rite of Free Masonry; and The Mahi Shriners. He is preceded in death by his mother Leone Margaret Hinson and father Donald Wesley Pelton. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Margaret Marie Miller; sons Donald Wesley III and Charles Franklin; grandsons, Donald Wesley IV, Robert Benjamin, Matthew Bradford and Benjamin Robert Franco; uncles, Rev. Wm J. Hinson and Gene Hinson; sister-in-law Katherine Easley (Robert); brother-in-law William A. Miller (Laura); daughter-in-law Victoria Franco; numerous nieces and nephews; and many loyal friends. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, November 8 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, visitation will be one hour prior, and interment will follow in Mandarin Cemetery. The Rev. Jonathan Lovelady, minister of St John's Presbyterian Church, will preside over the service: In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to The Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Program, (Pre-school thru 3rd grade), Sponsored by the national Rifle Assoc. of America - 112500 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703-267-1569). Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 904-288-0025. www.hgmandarin.com