John Welker

REX WELKER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- John Rex Welker, 77, of Idaho Falls, died December 6, 2004, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center following complications of surgery. He was born May 31, 1927 in Salem, Idaho to Samuel Sylvester Welker and Sophrona Ricks Welker. He received most of his schooling in Rexburg. Following his graduation from high school, he joined the U. S. Army where he served as a Staff Sargeant during World War II. In 1948, he married Anita Kotarra in Germany. From this union there were 4 children. Anita died in 1978. On February 9, 1979, he married Gloria Stoddart in Idaho Falls. He worked as an installation manager for Petersen Furniture and later as an Activity Bus Driver for School District #91. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and caring for his yard. He was an honest and humble man of integrity. Surviving are: Wife: Gloria Welker, Idaho Falls, ID Son: John K. (Winnie) Welker, Ucon, ID Son: Gary K. Welker, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Chris (Ray) Cammack, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Patty Newcomb, Swan Valley, ID Stepdaughter: Pamela (Kent) Morris, Katy, TX Stepson: Kevin (Lynette) Bird, Idaho Falls, ID Stepdaughter: Stacey (Dell) Dye, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Gary Welker, Boulder, CO Brother: Keith Welker, WA Sister: Leola Davis, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: LaRue Wilcox, Idaho Falls, ID 22 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anita; 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2004, at the Idaho Falls LDS 14th Ward, (651 Gladstone), with Bishop Mel Georgeson presiding and Keith Standley officiating. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 S. Ammon) and for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team.