Weldon William Ward

In Loving Memory of Weldon William Ward - A Life Well-Lived


Weldon William Ward was born on September 2, 1929 in Enterprise, Oregon to Maynard and Thelma Ward. Weldon entered the world a strong and healthy twelve pound baby. Grandma Thelma joked that that day was indeed "Labor Day". For the rest of his life, Weldon was a presence that was larger than life.

Doing well in school, Weldon was always involved with school activities. He played on the school baseball team, was class president, and played piano with other musical friends. Being a "joiner" was a philosophy that he embraced his entire life.

He went on to college at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Emily Clark (d. 2019). He had an appointment at a legal office, and the pretty receptionist greeted him with a full Glasgow accent. He always said that moment was it for him, he was off the market. Weldon and Emily were married a year later, on June 24, 1951. They were the center of each other's lives for the next 68 years.

Weldon's work in retailing took him to various locations where his three children were born: Becky (Randy) was born in 1953 in Chicago where Weldon was finishing college at Northwestern University, Brad (Melody) was born in 1955 in Santa Monica, California, and Jeff (Milena) was born in 1960 in Portland, Oregon. In 1960 the Ward clan moved to Carmichael, California where a few years later Weldon and Emily opened Custom Fireside Shop, where the whole family and many friends worked.

The blessings of a life well-lived continued with the arrivals of beloved grandchildren: Scott (Janet), Erin, Jonathan (Tori), Colin (Ashlee), Cameron (Chelsea), Hannah (soon to marry Bub Silver), Clayton (soon to marry Samantha), and Carson. And next came precious great-grandchildren Maegan, Jackson, Harper, Cooper, Emerson, Bronson, Holden, Lennon and a soon-to-arrive baby girl.

Weldon was never one to sit still, always being involved with his children's Little League Baseball and Bobby Sox Softball teams. Additionally, he and Emily were season ticket holders of the Sacramento Kings and the San Francisco 49ers, and were faithful fans of the San Francisco Giants. Other passions included golf, where he proudly celebrated several holes-in-one, including his last one at the remarkable age of 91. And not to be forgotten was his banjo, where he played with the Sacramento Banjo Band for over fifty years.

Weldon passed peacefully on February 6, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by his deeply loved family. He will be remembered for a life of love, faith, honor and devotion. We, his family and friends, remember him with limitless gratitude and joy.

Celebration of Life is:

February 26, 2026

Calvary Cemetery and Funeral Services
7101 Verner Ave.
Citrus Heights, Calif 95621

10 a.m. prayer service followed by luncheon reception

I lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Weldon's honor to the American Leukemia Association