Weldon Dean Gourd

Weldon Dean Gourd, 82, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away at home on Thursday, July 18, 2013.

Weldon was born on May 17, 1931, to Clarence Byron and Catherine in Grimes, Iowa. Weldon was born the second-youngest of eight boys. The family moved to rural Arkansas during the Depression. It was a place he still called home even when the family returned to Iowa. Weldon graduated from East High School in 1949, and lived as a life-long true Eastsider.

Weldon worked as a Carman Inspector for the Rock Island Railroad until its end and then retired from the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Weldon was very proud of the work he did for the Railroad. He was passionate about the Railroad Unions and held several positions within the Union during his tenure.

Weldon was a musician. He was open to all music. His favorite was country western with a twist of bluegrass. Weldon was best known for his skillful fiddle playing. An accomplished and professional musician, he won Grand Champion five times at the Iowa State Fair. Weldon also emceed music at the Iowa State Fair for many years. Weldon was a member of the Professional Musicians and Entertainers Club of Iowa, and a member of the Fiddler’s Club. Weldon enjoyed playing for the dances every Wednesday night at the American Legion hall on the east side of Des Moines. He was a mentor to several young fiddle players to keep the art alive.

Weldon and his brother Gene traveled throughout Iowa, spreading their music to thousands of people. Weldon and Gene were showcased at the United States Capital in Washington D.C. for the Independence Day Bicentennial in 1976. They even traveled overseas to Great Britain to bring their style of music to England.

Weldon enjoyed repairing and restoring fiddles for himself and others. He was a humanitarian and a contributor to many causes. Weldon was a member of many charity groups, was involved with the Masons, and was passionate about spreading music and the arts to children.

Weldon was a kind and sharing person with a quick wit. Weldon will be missed by his family and friends.

Weldon is survived by three children, son Gregory Dean Gourd (Grimilda), daughter Kristi Jean White (Monty), and daughter Allison Jo Welty (Jim), as well as his brothers Gene (Louise) and Chuck, all of Des Moines, and 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive family and friends on Monday July 22, 2013, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 23, also at Hamilton’s Funeral Home.

A private burial service for the family will be held at a later time at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Friends of Iowa Public Television.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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