William Van Pelt Obituary

William "Bill" Lawrence Van Pelt III passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, after a brief hospital stay. Born on March 17, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, Bill lived a full life of almost 87 years, leaving behind a legacy of care, dedication, and spirited enthusiasm. He graduated from Coventry High School in Akron in 1956. Bill pursued higher education at Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Cum Laude in Anatomy and Chemistry in 1960 and became a lifelong Buckeye fan, proudly cheering for his team through the years. Bill went on to earn his graduate degree in 1968 from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, ranking first in his class and launching a distinguished career as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. From 1962 to 1968, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Corps, stationed in Cleveland, Ohio, demonstrating his commitment to his country before moving to Houston in 1968. There, he established a private practice as a podiatrist serving his community for thirty years with expertise and kindness and touching the lives of many with his professional skill and warm presence. Bill’s leadership in his field was exemplified by his term as President of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association, where he advanced the profession with dedication and vision. A committed Mason, he also valued the principles of brotherhood and service throughout his life. On September 2, 2000, he married Judy Engle Leatherwood, the love of his life, at their home in Canyon Lake, beginning a cherished chapter that would have reached its 25th anniversary in the fall. Bill was an active member of Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, sharing his love of music with his congregation. There, he also served on Session, attended Men’s Bible Study, and volunteered in many ways with his church. An adventurous and active spirit, he ran many marathons, showcasing his determination and vitality, and enjoyed scuba diving and traveling to many places with Judy, experiences that enriched their lives together and reflected his curiosity and zest for living. In retirement, he continued his commitment to helping others by volunteering at free clinics at home and abroad, offering his skills to those in need.  A fan of old movies and music, Bill found joy in the classics, often revisiting the stories and stars of a bygone era.  

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Joseph Van Pelt, Jr., and his mother, Olga Mary Colosetti Van Pelt. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Engle Leatherwood Van Pelt of Canyon Lake, TX; his daughter, Vanessa Van Pelt Reese of Houston, TX; his son, William Van Pelt IV (Kimberley) of The Woodlands, TX; his stepchildren, Terri Leatherwood Sobey (Tom) of San Antonio, TX, Brian Leatherwood (Danette) of Houston, TX, and Brad  Leatherwood (Loan) of Katy, TX; his grandchildren, Danielle Van Pelt of The Woodlands, TX, Max and Marley Leatherwood of Katy, TX,  Taylor Sobey Clauss (Andrew) of Jacksonville, FL, and Taryn Sobey Rocca (Giancarlo) of San Francisco, CA; his sister, Valerie Van Pelt Carlson (Gordon) of Peoria, AZ; and his brothers, Joseph Van Pelt (Mary) of Prescott, AZ, and Robert Van Pelt (Kim) of Katy, TX, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church, 230 Shepherd Hill Dr., Canyon Lake, TX, on Saturday, April 12th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation in Bill’s name to Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church https://www.canyonlakepres.org/give or to the Wounded Warriors Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate