William Jefferson Welden

William Jefferson "Billy Jeff" Welden was born to Homer Prentice and Deed Ann (Miller) Welden on July 12, 1940 at Hobbs, NM and departed this life in Lawton, OK, on February 16, 2012 at the age of 71 years, 7 months and 4 days. Billy Jeff grew up at Walters, graduating from Walters High School in 1958 and going on to serve his country honorably in the U. S. Navy. He married Margaret Earline DeVine in December 1961at Walters, and to this union 4 children were born. Billy Jeff was employed by Southwestern Bell for 18 years before beginning a 20 year career with the Ft. Sill Fire Department. On June 18, 2005 he married Roberta Lynne (Bland) Roberts at Walters. They made their home at the Waurika Lake, where he has lived for the past 25 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Walters. He enjoyed riding his Harley, camping at the lake and golfing. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Shirley Ray Palmer. Survivors include his wife Roberta of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Bobby Tomah of Walters; 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Loretta Welden of Walters, John Welden of Tulsa, OK, Jay and Laura Welden of Manford, OK; 11 grandchildren, Travis Tollett, Brooke Tollett, Tyler Welden, Ashley Duncan and husband David, Bryson Welden, Meagan Welden, Jaden Welden, Keeli Welden, Emilee Welden, Victoria Carter and Haley Welden; other relatives and many friends.