Richard Roland Pelo

Richard Roland Pelo, 86, of Walla Walla died peacefully on December 23, 2014. “Dick” was born to the late Carl and Marguerite Pelo on January 28, 1928 in Red Lodge, Montana. The family later moved to Milton-Freewater, Oregon where Dick graduated from Mac-Hi in 1945. At Mac-Hi, he was a drummer in the marching band and later served on many reunion committees. He received his B.S. in Food Technology from Oregon State is 1949 and a B.A in Business Administration in 1951. While at Oregon State, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

He met his future bride, Katherine White, in Chicago, Illinois while working as a sales representative for American Maize. They were married on January 15, 1955 and moved to Walla Walla the following year.

Dick and Kay purchased the 7-Up Bottling franchise in 1956 and the Coca-Cola Bottling franchise in 1961. Dick ran the Bottling operation until his retirement in 1986 when his three sons took over the operation. The company later sold to Swire Coca-Cola.

Dick was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church serving many years both in the Session and as Treasurer. He was also active in the Rotary Club, Fort Walla Walla Museum, the Coca-Cola Bottlers Association, Coca-Cola Mainstream, and the Association of Washington Business. He served on many Boards including Camp Fire, Christian Aid, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Dick loved his family, friends, travel, the OSU Beavers, Drum and Bugle Corps, and the YMCA. He will be remembered by all for his infectious laugh and his kind and generous heart. He quietly changed the lives of others without ever bringing attention to himself.

Dick and Kay were fortunate to see much of the world together and create the memories that they loved to share. Dick loved watching his sons, and later his grandchildren, play sports. He was the most loyal fan on the field or in the gym.

Dick is survived by his wife Katherine Pelo of Walla Walla, WA; three sons and daughters-in-law--Jack and Melinda Pelo of Sandy, UT; Don and Janice Pelo of Bellevue, WA; Rich and April Pelo of San Diego, CA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ryan, Kevin, Katie, Lauren, Mitchell, Matt, and Scott who brought him great pride and joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the First Presbyterian Church or a charity or your choice through the funeral Home. Viewing & visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla. A reception will follow in the social hall. A private burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.