Weldon Larry Wilson

Weldon Larry Wilson, 80, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at the Westmoreland Health & Rehab Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg.

Weldon was born on December 1, 1942 at Valley General Hospital in Ellensburg to Samuel and Eleanor Wilson. He grew up in the valley, attending school in Kittitas where he excelled in basketball, baseball and track.  He also served as a class officer and was very proud of earning recognition as a National Honors Student. His senior quote in his yearbook read “My father wanted me to be a leader of men, but I’m going to be a follower of women.”  One of his teachers wrote “The best of luck to an excellent student, an athlete, a leader and a gentleman!”

Following his graduation from Kittitas High School, Weldon attended Central Washington University and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in education in 1966.  Following graduation, he accepted a teaching position with the Redwood City School District where he taught for 34 years before retiring in 2000.

Weldon met the love of his life, Judith Marci, and they married on May 25, 1972.  They built a wonderful life together and enjoyed traveling all over the world.  Their two favorite destinations were Switzerland and Hawaii where they spent many summers.

In addition to teaching, Weldon also worked as a tax preparer, managing a very successful business on the side.  He also took flight lessons and became proficient in learning to fly a Cessna 150. He will be remembered as a very generous and giving person who had a knack of engaging people into conversation – he never met a stranger! Throughout his life, Weldon was admired by many - starting with his classmates and teachers - and that carried over into his career with his coworkers, students and friends.

Weldon had a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing his many trips and pictures with everyone.  He cherished his family and never forgot his roots in the Kittitas Valley.  He enjoyed going for rides in the valley and reminiscing about times on the farm growing up.  He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, uncle and friend to all and will be greatly missed.  But he will be remembered fondly for all of his adventures and achievements and how he loved his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Judy, Weldon was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dale Wilson.  He is survived by his brother Neil (Cathy) Wilson, as well as his nieces and nephews; Larry (Semi) Wilson, Vickie Wilson, Kelly Wilson (Alan Gaskin), Janielle (Rod) Paul, Tammy (Marvin) Weaver, and Travis (Megan) Wilson.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with local arrangements in Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com