Donald E. Welker, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, went to be with our Lord on July 14, 2008 at SunBridge LakeRidge Special Care Center, Moses Lake, WA., where he had been a resident for fifteen months.

He was born November 13, 1927 at Parsons, Kansas. He joined the Army Air Force at age seventeen and served with the 393rd Bomber Squadron.

A lifetime member of VFW Cook-Erickson Post 7952 in Richland, he was proud to have served his country.

After completing his military service, He moved to Kennewick to be near his parents who had moved from Kansas to work at the Hanford project. The Tri-Cities became his permanent home.

He worked at Hanford, retiring from Central Stores warehouse in 1969 because of disabilities received in the military. His condition was chronic and debilitating.

Although he had to retire at an early age due to his health conditions, it enabled our family to spend more time together. We will all miss him greatly, but we will enjoy the fond memories we have of summer camping adventures at lakes, mountains and the ocean, visiting historical sites and museums, touring interesting factories, playing family games, and watching a lot of tv! As we became adults and had our own families Dad's creative solutions for home improvements were always helpful and appreciated. His grandchildren will always remember his funny jokes and never leaving Papa/Grandpa Don's home without a bag of candy and pocket money.

Family and friends will remember him for his ready smile, sense of humor, quick wit and willingness to help his neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Beulah Welker; a brother, Homer Lawrence, Jr., daughter Diane Brandsma and son, Craig.

He is survived by his sister, Gloria Wright, of Seattle, WA., daughter Cynthia Hayes and husband Lanny of Basin City, WA., son, Daniel Welker and wife Shannon of Richland, WA., daughter Kim Thomas and husband Larry of Ephrata, WA., sons Tom Welker and wife Kathy of Kennewick, WA, and DJ Cox of Kennewick, WA.; eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Rest in peace, Dad. We love you.

Services will be held on Friday, July 18, 2008.

Viewing will be at Einan's Funeral Home @ Swift Blvd & Highway 240 Richland, WA., 9:30-10:30 am.

Graveside services will begin at 11:00 am followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus, 2500 Chester Rd., Richland, WA at noon.