John Weldon

John Dee Weldon went home to be with Jesus Saturday, June 19th, 2010. His wife of 33 years, Jane Brotherton Weldon, of Midland, TX., two children, Josh Weldon and wife Katie, and Jessica Walters and husband Ben, all of Midland, TX., two grandchildren, Oliver Weldon and Abigail Walters, his brother Bill Weldon, Jr. and wife Debby, of Earth, TX., his mother Janice Weldon, of Midland, TX., along with all the rest of his family and friends will miss his smile and his laughter until we shall join him in that happy band. John was born in Taylor County in 1950 to Bill Weldon, Sr. and Janice Cooper Weldon. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1969, where he was a football star receiver having caught the winning touchdown November 1st, 1968 against Odessa Permian- the first time the Rebels ever beat the Panthers. After receiving a full academic scholarship to Oklahoma State University and spending a semester there, John went off to travel the U.S., ranging from Oregon to New York, and from Canada to Mexico. On April 22, 1977 in Fort Worth, TX., he married his high school sweetheart and soul mate, Jane Ann Brotherton. They spent the next 33 years together through thick and thin, inspiring all those who knew them with their unwavering love for each other. John was an extremely hard worker, starting with roofing for his Grandfather, Emmett Maxwell in Abilene, TX., every summer from the tender age of nine until he turned 18. He worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years, displaying his love for helping people find what they needed for transportation in an honest and fair way, but also taking a moment to reach out to and guide anyone who may have just needed a helping hand. He continued that work later in life as an employee for Sam's Club where he would fill any and all jobs needed. He enjoyed working at Sam's because it let him run in to family, friends and acquaintances and to make new ones on a daily basis. He always had a listening ear and a caring smile that made you feel important. John was a man of many talents. He was a gifted musician, playing the guitar, the banjo, the harmonica, the bass, and even the juice harp on occasion. He loved to draw and created many beautiful portraits for other people, some who had lost loved ones. He was also an amazing photographer, able to capture images in a way that accurately reflected the beauty God had created. He was an excellent fisherman, and a superb handyman. He could do just about anything he set his mind to. John was a member of Golf Course Road Church of Christ, where he enjoyed attending the Men's Prayer Breakfast group and helping serve the Lord's Supper as often as he could. He was also a member in good standing of Alcoholic's Anonymous, having been given the gift of sobriety for six days, three weeks, three months and 28 years. When he was diagnosed with ALS in December 2008, he quickly found solace and friendship with MDA support groups online and at meetings. He remained, until he was called him home to be one of the Welcomers, the man most of us will remember as a living example of Jesus Christ: quiet and patient, loving and tender. He would give you the shirt off his back if you said you needed it. We're sorry for our loss but joyful in his new body and can't wait to see him playing his guitar again. Keep playing, John, so we know where to find you in Heaven. The family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home, Tuesday, June 22, 2010, between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel with Roy Shrode, Tim Baugh and Bill Weldon, Jr officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.elissfunrals.com. Pallbearers include Josh Weldon, Ben Walters, Trey Weldon, Tim McGraw, Henry Brem, and Paul Netherlin. Honorary Pallbearers include Ethen Brem, Ron Brem, Donald Brotherton, Jim Brotherton, Mike Brotherton, Patrick Brotherton, JC Collins, Willie Goudeau, Roy Mejia, JR Patman, JT Weldon, Clayton Womack, and DeWayne Garner.