Donald Raymond Van Pelt Jr.

Donald Raymond Van Pelt Jr., age 70, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026. He was born to loving parents, Donald Raymond Van Pelt Sr. and Carolyn Marie Everett Heim in Neptune, NJ on April 28, 1956.

He served in the United States Army for 22 years. He was a proud member of the American Legion and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. He enjoyed shooting pool, throwing darts and riding motorcycles. He loved his family, children and especially doted on his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chirstopher Daniel Van Pelt and brother, Ronnie Van Pelt.

Donald is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Lenora Muriel Van Pelt; daughters, Carol Marie Van Pelt Amerson (Paul) of TX; step children, David Edward Graessle of Eugene, OR, Lenora Jean Kuo of Valdosta, GA, Peter James Graessle (Mia Rose) of Raleigh, NC, Elizabeth Agnes Graessle of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Brittany Nicole Thorpe (Brandon) of TX, Natalie Amerson of TX, Allyssa Amerson of Washington State, Maddock Kuo, Jillian Kuo, Peter James Graessle Jr., William Graessle, and Patrick Graessle; great granddaughter, Zuri Thorpe; sisters, Connie Fulford of Livingston, TX and Bonnie Sue Cummings (Bill) of TX and brother Johnny Van Pelt (Madeline) of TX and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the Valdosta Chapel of Music Funeral Services. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Full military honors will be held at the end of the service and the Patriot Guard and American Legion will be present. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com. The Van Pelt family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta.