Capt. Albert "Bolt" "Pal" Murle VanPelt

Albert Murle VanPelt "Bolt", "Pal" Rhodes, MI Formerly of Bay City, MI Captain Albert Murle VanPelt passed away early Saturday morning January 9, 2016 at the home of his niece Lisa and her husband Brian Roper in Rhodes, Michigan. Age 79 years. The son of the late Merle and Della (Dubay) VanPelt was born February 7, 1936 in Bay City, Michigan. He graduated from T.L. Handy High School in 1953 and after graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1953 as well. After his first tour of duty he attended and graduated from Michigan State University in 1961. He then entered in the Aviation Officer Candidate Program in July of 1961, designated a Naval Aviator in March of 1963 and advanced to the rank of Captain in February of 1982 and retired after proudly serving his country 1990 after thirty eight years of service. He was awarded many medals of honor including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral "16" and a Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars and A Combat "V", Purple Heart and many others. Over the years he traveled to many places on 244 missions in the world, 5000 hours in Vietnam and lived in places such as Japan, Hawaii and Colorado. He was a member of the Life Member of the V.F.W., enjoyed flying, traveling, crossword puzzles, trivia, playing tennis, sailing and most of all he cherished the time he spent with his family. Left behind to cherish his memories are his three children; Reginald (David) Miller -VanPelt, Nathan (Geri) VanPelt and Jason (his mother Joan) VanPelt, three grandchildren; Holly, Abby and Mika VanPelt, two brothers; Gary (Donna) VanPelt and Dennis (Shari) VanPelt, nieces and nephews; Sherri, Lisa (Brian), Lori (Rich), Terri (Kevin), Ryan (Dana) and Deni and his great nieces and great nephews; Kati, Chelsea (Jeremy), Shelbi (Chad) Brandon, Zachary, Jacob, Keeli, Carter, great great nephews; Blake and Brody, his cousins, the mother of his son Jon; Claudette VanPelt, special friends; Trudy Kane, Wes Gassman and Ceil McPhee and many other friends. Besides his parents Merle and Della he was preceded in death by one son; Jon VanPelt, three brothers; Dick, Berry and Randy VanPelt, Reg. and Nates mother Florence VanPelt, and his friend; Bernie Kane. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his caregivers who became his friends, his nieces and nephews for the kind and compassionate care they provided for Albert over the years. Funeral and Committal Services will take place Monday evening January 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Joseph Atchinson with private interment in Arlington National Cemetery at a later time. The family will be present at the funeral home to receive visitors on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to the "Bay County Veterans Council".