Howard Arthur Pelton

Howard Arthur Pelton Jr. (HAP), at age 92, passed away on August 31, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eiko Pelton, originally from Okinawa, Japan, his three children: Rika Pelton-Stutchman, David Brian Pelton, & Angela Pelton-Ingram & his six grandchildren: Ryan Tyler Pelton, Sidney Elizabeth Pelton, Taylor Isabelle Pelton, & David Brian Pelton Jr. (DJ) and Chase Ethan Ingram & Mia Alyse Ingram, and many extended family members throughout North Dakota and Okinawa, Japan.

HAP was born September 22, 1932 in Detroit, MI. He spent his adolescent years between North Dakota and Detroit and graduated high school from Highland Park, MI. HAP was a long-time resident of Atwater, CA. Having served over 26 years in the military, HAP chose Atwater as home. After retiring as a Master Sargeant from the Air Force @ Caste Air Force Base, he continued his career working as a service technician at the Gas Station/Service Shop on Castle and officially retired from AAFES as a computer programmer at the BX, Base Exchange when Castle closed in 1994.

HAP was a rare, genuine, strong, funny, practical, devoted family man and was apparent in all the photos and digital albums he created of his biggest joy, his family. Not only did he raise his children in their home, the home served the next generation as being “Ji-Chan” to his grandkids.

HAP lived an active life prior to retirement. As a young adult, he played the drums in his High School Band and the accordion throughout his life. He enjoyed skiing and hit many mountains throughout the US, frequented Aspen and even hiked Mt. Shasta. He was an avid bowler and shared this hobby with his family. While stationed in Japan, he earned himself a 4 th degree black belt in Karate and hiked Mt. Fuji twice. He loved the Detroit Redwings, airplanes and enjoyed his cars; he captured attention through town with his personalized “HAP” license plate on his Dodge Chargers.

January of 2025, Howard & Eiko moved to Idaho to be closer to family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 3pm at the English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

HAP will be missed dearly by many.