Donnie Keith Van Pelt
Donnie Keith Van Pelt, 74, of Silsbee, died Friday, January 3, 2025, at home after a long struggle with health issues. He was born on March 26, 1950, in Silsbee, to Lois Laverne Van Pelt and Earl Cooper “Snooky” Van Pelt.
Donnie retired from Buna Independent School District and loved every minute of coaching! Sports was a critical part of his life; he was either playing, watching or coaching. He also loved being out in nature and fishing. The young men he coached with he considered family.
Donnie loved his family. He always wanted to hear how his son Zackary Cooper was doing and was especially interested in his two grandsons: Kai Christian and Liam “Huck” Cooper.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Judy Van Pelt; son, Zackary Cooper Van Pelt and wife, Jessie; grandson’s, Kai Christian Van Pelt and Liam “Huck” Cooper Van Pelt; brother, Ronnie Earl Van Pelt; Aunt Pansy Moulder; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donnie is preceded in death by his parents, Earl Cooper “Snooky” Van Pelt and Lois Laverne Van Pelt, and sister-in-law, Carol Van Pelt.
A gathering of Mr. Van Pelt’s family and friends will begin 1:30 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- January 7, 2025
- 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- January 7, 2025
- 2:30 pm
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
I am so sorry to hear of Coach Van Pelt’s passing. I only had him as a PE coach at Buna Junior High, but I’ll never forget him. He was the only coach to make me feel like I could actually do anything I put my mind to. He believed in me. He believed in all of us! I remember all of us thinking he was the coach grandfather of all of us at that school! Such a kind soul, whose memory will live on forever. Praying for the family 🩵
You have all of my sympathy, Judy and Zach. I have great memories of sitting at the sandbar on Village Creek with Donnie and Mitch Dinkle listening to JP White call the games on KKAS. Donnie was one of those characters that was hard to forget and easy to like. He was the best of neighbors.
We all loved creek time with the neighbors. Many fun times! Donnie was definitely a character! 😊
Zack and I appreciate your condolences and attending the service.
My prayers are with you. I love you. May God embrace you in his loving arms for the days ahead. I am always a phone call away if you need ne for anything!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you reaching out and attending his service. ❤️
Judy, I know the pain you are going through and I’m will be praying for you, I always loved playing golf with him and just knowing Donnie was a blessing in itself
Thank you so much! I appreciate you reaching out and attending his service. ❤️
Prayers for you Judy and your family. Donnie truly was a difference maker, I was blessed to cross paths with him.
Thank you, Gene. I appreciate your kind words. ❤️
Judy so sorry to hear about Donnie I don’t guess I will ever forget how he liked to joke and cut up. My prayers are with you and the family. You take care of yourself.
Thank you. He did love to joke and tease people. 😊 I certainly will miss him. ❤️
Judy so sorry to hear about Donnie I don’t guess I will ever forget how he liked to joke and cut up. My prayers are with you and the family. You take care of yourself.
I love you Sister. I know your heart aches, but please know your in my prayers. I loved Donnie and will miss him.
Thank you, Sister! I appreciate all your support and love. ❤️
Judy, prayers sent to you and the family. Coach was one of the “Good Ones”. I will remember his smile and encouraging words that he always had.
Thank you. Your kind words mean so much!
So sorry for your loss Judy.
Thank you.
Such a fun loving guy, so sorry to hear this Judy
Sending prayers and hugs for you and family!!
Me and my two kids got to know and enjoy him throughout his years as a coach in Buna!!! One of the Best!!! 🙏❤️🙏
Thank you so much. I appreciate your sweet, kind sentiments.
Judy, do sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Doug and Bonnie Rogers
My prayers for the family. I remember Donnie when he was only 12 years. Lived in same neighborhood and he was such a good guy. Great coach I’m sure he will be missed by many.
Thank you for your kind words.
RIP Coach, you always made learning fun. Prayers for your family.
Thank you for reaching out. He would love to hear you felt he made learning fun. ❤️
Judy, sending my love from across the miles.
My heart hurts for you.
Thank you so much!
I love you. ❤️