Obituary: Frank Welder

Long-time Meeker resident Frank Welder passed away at his home Sept. 4, 2012. Frank was born in Victoria, Texas, to Frank and Marjorie Howard Welder. Frank served in the Air Force during WWII, serving in the European Theatre of Operations.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in geology at the University of Texas in 1949 and his PhD in geology at Louisiana State University in 1955. He worked on the Edwards Aquifer in Southwest Texas 1954-1958, and taught geology at NE Louisiana State University 1958-1964. He also worked with the U.S. Geological Survey in northwest Colorado, mostly in the Piceance Basin. After retirement in 1983 he spent a year in the Sultanate of Oman supervising a groundwater investigation program.
Frank and his wife Jean have been residents of Meeker since 1975. Married Dec. 31, 1955, they shared many great adventures in their 57 years together. In 2000 he was awarded the black belt by the U.S. Tae Kwon Do Federation at age 78. He is the author and co-author of more than 25 geoscience publications. Frank leaves behind his wife Jean of Meeker; daughter Maureen Mabrey (Rick) of Grand Junction; sons Brian (Carla) and Shawn of Meeker; five grandchildren: Keegan, Kalin and Kolin Welder and their mother Kim Welder of Craig, Danny (Caitlin) and Derek (Jen) Lopez of Denver; and four great-grandchildren: Lilyonna, Catey Sue, Adrienna and Eva Lopez all of Denver; brother Edward (Anne) Welder of Kingsland, Texas; nephew and niece Carl (Jeremy) Welder of Austin, Texas, and Adrienne Welder of Steamboat Springs; and cousins Lisa (Joel) Brundrett and Linda Roberts of Texas, as well as many extended family and friends. Following his wishes no services are planned. A celebration of Frank’s life will take place at Welder Ranch when family and friends are able to gather in the spring. Friends may make memorial contributions to the Meeker Public Library in Frank’s name. Condolences may be left for the family at www.martinmortuary.com