Matthew Wesley Van Pelt

Matthew W. Van Pelt, age 43, of Taiwan and formerly of Columbus, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. He was born August 15, 1972 in Columbus, OH, and a 1991 graduate of Bishop Watterson High School. Matthew was an archeologist/anthropologist, currently serving as the Director of Global Exchanges Division for Quanta Culture and Exchange Foundation. He is survived by his loving wife, Melonie Lan Hua Van Pelt; parents, William K. and Sandra (Shockey) Van Pelt, of Columbus, OH; brother and sister-in-law, William Christopher and Valerie Van Pelt and nephew, Nicholas , of Dallas, TX; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Matthew was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William R. and Jane A. (King) Van Pelt and maternal grandparents, Floyd C. and Ora G. (Jones) Shockey. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Cincinnati and did doctorate studies at Washington State University. Matthew was active in Boy Scouts of America, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 pm Saturday, July 23, 2016 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL 1740 Zollinger Rd. where the family will receive friends from 1:00 -3:00 pm Saturday. Pastor Eric George officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Matthew's memory may be made to the Department of Anthropology, University of Cincinnati for the Matthew Van Pelt Memorial Fund, c/o Dr. Alan P. Sullivan, Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Anthropology, 481 Braunstein Hall, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0380 or to Bishop Watterson High School Matthew W. Van Pelt Memorial Fund, c/o Ryan Steinbrenner, 99 E. Cooke Rd., Columbus, OH 43214. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or send condolences.