Moses Van Pelt Jr.

Moses Van Pelt Jr. life was the fulfillment of Psalm 34:8, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that Trusteth in him". He was born on January 11, 1929, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas to the union of Moses Van Pelt Sr. and India Goodwin-Van Pelt. Moses accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age attending Taylor Chapel Methodist Church, his family worshipped there regularly and had several pews named after the Van Pelt family. He received his formal education graduating from Presbyterian Academy, were he was mentored by Reverend Dwight Davis, Sr. He traveled the country singing with the school choir. He also accompanied Reverend Aubry Blake as a psalmist on preaching engagements throughout the country. Moses enlisted in the US Army where he fought in the Korean War. His outstanding athletic ability enabled him to travel the country as an athlete on behalf of the United States government. He was an all around sportsman excelling in multiple disciplines, Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track. He was approached by several major league teams seeking his talents. He married his first wife, Ruthie, to which 2 children were born, son Robert Larry and daughter Toni Van Pelt-Ellis. He also has a son David Glenn by Louise Thompson. He placed a premium on education and attended Arkansas Pine Bluff College for 2 years before moving permanently to Chicago, Illinois. Moses married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Bolton, a union that lasted for 52 years. Dorothy and Moses were blessed with 12 children. Moses was a hard worker who believed in the Bible's creed -- those that do not work don't eat. He worked several jobs and retired from AT&T after many years of service. He also worked for Ford Motor Company. Wanting to leave a legacy for his family, Moses started Van Pelt and Sons Sundries, serving the Cabrini Green Housing Community. He also assembled and ran a successful traveling baseball team. He was active in his community, loved his hometown of Cotton Plant and remained an active member of the Cotton Plant Arkansas Club of Chicago, Illinois. On August 18, 2013, Moses heard the call of his Lord, and Savior and went to dwell in the house of the LORD forever. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy; siblings, Bennie, Billy, B.D., Thomas, Amos, Roscoe, Katie and Lillie; one son, Miguel; one granddaughter, Ciara; and one grandson. Moses leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, his children, Carolyn, Robert Larry, Toni, Ricky (Tina), Jerry, Ronald, Jammie (Barbara), Diane, Brigitte (Keith), Darrell (Antionette), Melvin, Shante and Moses Wayne; three sisters-in-law, Eileen Bolton, Dorothy Van Pelt (Thomas), St. Louis, MO and most cherished "Sister-in-law", friend and confidant, Mattie Van Pelt (Amos) of Fort Wayne, IN; 48 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Tributes

Moses Van Pelt Jr.

January 11, 1929 - August 18, 2013