Franklin Welch

Franklin Maurice 'Frank' Welch
NEWTON, N.C. - Franklin Maurice "Frank" Welch, 86, died Friday, June 25, 2010, in Newton, North Carolina.
Born June 25, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the late John Henry Welch and Hattie Evelyn Cobia, Frank grew up in Tyhee, Idaho, and graduated from Pocatello High School and Idaho State University.
As a young adult in Pocatello, he worked briefly as a yard switchman for the railroad, arranged window displays at a department store, and colorized portraits for a photography studio. Frank produced and performed in a short-lived newlyweds radio program in Pocatello at the age of 19.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps, trained as a mechanic and pilot, was a singer-entertainer in the special services entertainment company, but never left the U.S. before his honorable discharge.
Frank married Jean Dolores Kent on June 9, 1948, in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The couple moved to Yuba City, Calif., where Frank served as the teacher, principal and janitor in the single-room Winship school house. They then moved to Sacramento. Frank taught at Alice Burney Elementary for 14 years. He received his master's in education from Sacramento State College. Frank served as a high school assistant principal at one point.
He tried his hand over the years at various business ventures. Frank sold insurance and securities, and then worked with insurance plans for the California Teachers Association for a decade. He worked at California Dental Service for two years, and then did some substitute teaching. Frank retired in 2004, from drafting estate documents and notary public work.
Frank enjoyed photography and gardening. Often he would go straight to the garden after work and use the hoe still dressed in his slacks and dress shoes. He arranged singing opportunities every chance he could get. Frank would frequently sing a capella to his estate/notary clients during house calls and drop in without notice to sing at rest homes. He treasured his faithful participation in the Pocatello High School reunions.
Frank was a handyman and built a home for his father while living in Pocatello. He cared for his wife at home for years during her decline with Alzheimer's. Frank interacted with people on the assumption that everyone was his friend.
A life sketch, photos, and some of his poetry and singing are available at www.frankwelch.info.
Viewing and family visitation will be Monday, July 5, 9 a.m., and funeral at 10 a.m., Price Funeral Chapel, 6335 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights, California (916) 725-2109. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding, Idaho.