WALTER WELDON (1907 - 1997)
"And in this Land there were Giants" by Art Soldner

As I sit here trying to put together my thoughts regarding brother Weldon, I find there are not sufficient words in the English language, nor space to write them. Walter was a business man, a board member of the Sioux Honey Assn., he was involved in the Independence Neighborhood Council, a Patriarch Evangelist, an author of numerous articles and books on the Book of Mormon and Native Americans, as well as being a spiritual father to the church through his counseling activities, and President of IMCA until his passing. Add to this list, his long interest in ministry to Native American people. As to his patriarchal ministry, all those who came in contact with him, are the richer for these endeavors.

For those of us who knew him personally, he was a friend in time of need, councilor on Indian affairs and President of the IMCA organization. When he spoke at Indian Ministry gatherings, there was always attentive silence even to the youngest present. His strong testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon is well known and documented in many articles and books. Two of his books "Tell My People" and "The Purpose of the Book of Mormon" should be required reading for all members of the restoration faith.

In his later years after he stopped driving, I was privileged to pick up and transport Bro Walter to Indian Ministry and IMCA functions. The conversations we had then, and recently at his bedside, are memories I treasure.

Thinking about Bro Walter I'm reminded of another dear friend, Don Bullard, who many of you knew thru his involvement in Indian Ministry. Don's work with the Native Americans is legendary. I can see it now, Don Bullard, bowlegged, blue jeans, boots, and that ugly old cowboy hat perched on his head, welcoming Walter at the gates of heaven. The greeting might have been something like this:

"Hello Walter, I've been asking when you might show up. I've been here about a day, and I've rounded up about five million Native Americans for us to minister to. What do you say we get at it?" And as Walter steps thru the gate into another life and a new ministry, I can see him grinning and saying, "Lets get on with it."

For those of us who knew Walter, he will always occupy an honored place in our hearts and memories. But for our daughter, Jennifer, he will always be very special. She is only eleven now, but she remembers sitting on his knee listening to his stories. He confirmed her after her baptism. To Jennifer he will always be "Grandpa Walter."