Darald R. Welch

Darald Roy Welch, was born August 13, 1937 in McFarland, California. He passed away peacefully on June 2, 2013 at home in his sleep. Darald was the first son of James and Lillie Welch. He was raised in the San Joaquin Valley in California. As a farm boy, he was active in 4-H, excelled in FFA by winning tractor driving contests and showing Hereford cows and steers. He lettered in track and football. Darald met the love of his life, Virginia Owensby, at church youth group. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on February 2nd of this year. Darald developed a love for flying as a teenager, owned many different airplanes and flew for over 40 years. He loved any and everything that dealt with airplanes and flying. Over the years, he enjoyed helping friends with airplane projects. In January of 1965, he and Virginia left California and moved their two small children; Ronald and Brenda, to the Columbia Basin. His first job was with Pure Gro and later became a partner in Moses Lake Air Service. He flew crop dusters and especially loved the fringe benefit of being able to buzz his friends with the airplane. In 1969, he and Virginia had another daughter, Dawna. The next year they bought a farm east of town, and had their last child, Amanda. He continued to live there until his death. He farmed for 28 years until Ronald took over the family farm in 1998. During his farming years, he was a member of the Mosquito Control Board, Grant County Noxious Weed board and earned Moses Lake Conservation District Farmer of the Year in 1975. He also was the Past Master of the Moses Lake Masonic Lodge 174. He farmed mostly certified seed crops, being one of the first farmers to raise certified alfalfa seed utilizing leafcutter bees. During these years, he enjoyed hunting and being the camp cook on pack trips. In his retirement years he enjoyed his grandchildren, supporting all their many activities. He also loved woodworking, fixing/building things for family and friends and leaving his mark of his DW brand on everything he made. He and Virginia loved to travel in their 5th wheel, taking numerous trips through the western US, Canada, and Alaska. He also enjoyed fishing with family and friends. His greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; son, Ronald (Christy) Welch; daughters, Brenda Welch, Dawna (Chuck) Sandmann and Amanda (Paul) Good. Grandchildren; Heidi, Hannah, and Nicholas Welch; Whit (Kiley) Dixon, Trista, Tabitha and Brady Dixon; Taya, Alexya and Farrya “sweetpea” Sandmann; Eleanor and Emily Good. Great-Grandchildren; Paisley and Lane Dixon. His mother, Lillie Welch and only brother, Marvin (Kitty) Welch of California. He was preceded in death by his father, James Roy Welch. He was a great man and will be dearly missed by all. We Love him!

Darald R. Welch

August 13, 1937 - June 2, 2013