Entered into rest Sunday, September 9, 2007 at the age of 57. He was a native of Honolulu, Hawaii born Saturday, October 29, 1949 and a resident of the Sacramento area for the past 44 years.

Dear son of Margaret Pelton of Sacramento; loving brother of Patricia Sylva of Lemoore, Daniel Pelton of Elk Grove, Malinda Lacusky of Sacramento, Michael Pelton of Sacramento, Robert Pelton of Elverta and Carl Pelton of Elk Grove. Also survived by 21 cousins and 29 great cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Daniel Pelton.

Ernie was the beloved son, brother, uncle and friend who through his injuries 40 years ago changed High School Football forever. In November 1967 Ernie was paralyzed from the neck down because of an injury on the football field while playing for Rio Linda High School.

Because of his injuries, Football Helmets are now tested for safety and ambulances are mandatory at all football games so injuries can be reduced if not avoided completely.

Please for those who knew Ernie, we would love to invite you to join the family at his Legacy Service at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home, 4701 Marysville Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95838.

Published in the Sacramento Bee from Sept 16, 2007 to Sept 18, 2007.