February 24, 1927 - February 20, 2011
Lawrence E. "Larry" Welton Obituary
Larry passed away February 20, 2011 with his family by his side. He was born February 24, 1927 to John T. and Veda V. (Pugh) Welton in Hysham, Montana. Larry grew up in Custer, Montana graduating early from high school to join the Navy during World War II. He served on the USS Henrico as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class during World War II and the Bikini Atoll Atomic testing. After being discharged from the Navy, he went on to earn a Bachelor degree in Biology from Montana State College in Bozeman, Montana. He came to Spokane in 1948 when he was hired by the SP&S Railway as a telegrapher. While attending telegraphy school he took a part-time job at the Davenport as a coin washer. He also worked in Lamont, Washington, as well as Portland, Albany, and Junction City, Oregon during his 20-year tenure with the railroad. He then went to work for the state of Washington, retiring in 1989. Larry's greatest joy in life was bringing smiles to children and adults the many years he was Santa during the holiday seasons. He was a member and Elder of Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church; volunteered for Meals on Wheels; and an Ombudsman for the Aging. In his younger years, he belonged to Toastmasters; Elks; and the Albany Chapter of the Jaycees. He is survived by: his wife of 50 years, Ann of Spokane; children and their spouses: Sue (Chuck) Lodholm of Lacey, WA; Karen (Mark) Lee of Albany, OR; Larry (Barb) Wolford of Spokane; Ken (Becki) Wolford of Auburn, WA; Tom (Jennifer) Welton of El Sobranto, CA; and Amy Welton of Spokane. He had 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Veda V. Welton; a brother, Jack Welton; and a sister, Jeannette Drewyer. A Memorial service to celebrate Larry's life will be held Saturday, March 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church, 4449 N. Nevada, Spokane. Viewing will be Thursday - Saturday, March 3rd - 5th from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. Burial and Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 19th at 2:00 p.m. at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens, 34275 Riverside Dr SW, Albany, OR.
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