David Loyd Welborn
1941 - 2008
David Loyd Welborn, 66, after a seven-year battle with lung cancer, passed away very peacefully Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in the presence of his wife, Patricia Welborn, children, grandchildren and friends.
David was born to Troy and Eileen Welborn on Sept. 26, 1941, in Anniston, Ill. David married Patricia Joy O’Connell on Jan. 28, 1967, in Shiloh, Ill., in Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
David’s years in the U.S. Army took him to Vietnam, Kansas, Kentucky, Germany, California, South Korea, Missouri and Alaska.
After 20 years of military service as a tech rep on fixed wing and helicopter aircraft, he retired in 1982. He began working in civil service in his same field and served in the Gulf War. He retired from civil service in 1993 in Fairbanks, where he made his home until his death.
David was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Sacred Heart Parish. He had a fierce love of country and was especially proud of his veteran status.
David loved to drive and to travel with Pat, his wife of 41 years. Together, they visited every state of the union and enjoyed many cruises during their retirement years. David had a great love of the Christmas season and was well-known for his outdoor Christmas lights. His sense of humor and sparkling wit were also well-known. David enjoyed spending time with his senior retired group of friends that met daily at Deb’s Cafe. He had a special place in his heart for children — particularly his grandchildren.
David was preceded in death by his father, Troy; mother, Eileen; stepfather, Henry Hoerchler; stepfather-in-law, Ken Bremer; and aunt and uncle, Mabel and Pat Patrick.
David is survived by his children and their spouses: David and Connie Welborn, Patty and Jim Walter, Mike Welborn, Lt. Dan and Rhonda Welborn, officer Doug and Heather Welborn, Joy and Maj. Michael Fazio, Kathleen Welborn, and Pvt. E-2 Chad Welborn, all of Fairbanks; sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Steve Maly; mother-in-law, Betty Bremer; brother-in-law and wife, Harry and Vickie O’Connell, lifelong best friends; and grandchildren: Heather, Amber, Trent, Andrew, Matthew, Luke, Jessica, Brett, Zachary, Janelle, Jacob, Michael Jr., McKenzie, Blake and Abby.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, Monday, May 12, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Mass will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Donald J. Kettler and co-celebrated by the Rev. Robert Fath. Deacon Bob Mantei will assist. A viewing will begin at 11 a.m. and rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the Kobuk Center.
David will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis on May 19 with full military honors after a Mass and memorial service in the presence of family and friends.
Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home and Crematory.