Obituary of Wendall Lynn Pelham

The evening of November 14, 2009, while holding hands with his adoring wife Jean, Wendall “Pel” Pelham passed from this world after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born May 20, 1933, in Bakersfield, California, to Ila Raye Hooks and Samuel Emzy Pelham. He graduated from high school in Wasco, California, where he was a football and track star and Senior Class President. He received a BA in Business and Economics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and an MS in Public Administration from Shippensburg University. Wendall also completed several military schools including the prestigious Army Senior Service College. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 and received an officer commission in 1954. Wendall served on active duty for over 30 years including overseas tours in Korea, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. A well-decorated officer, his military awards included 3 Army Commendation medals, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Humanitarian Service medal, Meritorious Service medals, and Legion of Merit. Wendall had the rare distinction of being chosen for three battalion commands during his career. He achieved the rank of Colonel in 1975. Following retirement from the Army in 1983, Wendall developed an interest in microcomputers and began a new career as a computer consultant. Wendall met the love of his life, Jean Brancato, in Germany and they married in 1973. Wendall had an enormous zest for life and a keen sense of humor. He enjoyed model trains, gardening, computers, stamp collecting, sailing, snow skiing, racquetball, football, hunting, fishing, golfing. Wendall was a member of Lake Tapps Christian Church where he served as deacon and greeter for many years and volunteered with Vacation Bible School, church cleaning and yard work and the Men’s Ministry. He also volunteered at the Orting Old Soldiers’ Home. Wendell will be greatly missed by his large family and many friends. He is survived by wife Jean; sisters Billie June (Warren) Pope of Shafter CA; sister Shirley (Wayne) Wood of Bakersfield, CA; son Richard (Pat) of Hampton, GA; sons Wendall II, (Dawn), John (Lisa) and Todd (Sherry) of Portland, OR.; son Marc (Sherri) of Kirkland, WA; 19 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Wendall was preceded in death by daughter Wendy and granddaughters Stephanie and Jennifer. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated in memory of Wendall “Pel” Pelham to "Fisher Center Foundation" for Alzheimer’s Research, 86 North River Piers, New York, New York 10109-2744, or the Tacoma Rescue Mission, PO Box 1912, Tacoma, WA 98401-1912. Special thanks to the Group Health Hospice team and the staff of the Tuscany Adult Family Home in Auburn, WA, who lovingly cared for Wendall during his final months. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 19th at 4:00 p.m. at Lake Tapps Christian Church in Bonney Lake. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery.