Weldon W. Grace

Weldon Wilbur Grace
October 13, 1929 - June 10, 2024

Weldon was born on October 13, 1929, near Burlington Junction, Missouri, to Harvey and Mary (McIntyre) Grace. He joined older twin brothers, Darrell and Donald, and was later joined by brother, William and sister, Arlene.

Weldon graduated from Quitman High School, Quitman, Missouri, in 1947. Following high school, Weldon put his skills and love for horses to work on a ranch in Wyoming for a couple of years.

After working on that ranch, Weldon enlisted in the United States Air Force, eventually being stationed at Andrews AFB until 1954, followed by civilian government employment for two years, ending in 1956.

On February 11, 1953, Weldon was joined in marriage to Jennie Lea Prater, from Burlington Junction, Missouri.

During this time in our Nation’s Capital, two sons were born… first, James Weldon in 1953, followed by Jan Lawson in 1954.

In 1956, the family moved to Maryville, Missouri, where Weldon was employed as an auto mechanic and a welder while attending classes at Northwest Missouri State University. During the years in Maryville, the growing family was blessed with the arrival of two daughters… Pamela Sue in 1956, and Patricia Lue in 1959.

1960 saw Weldon graduating from NWMSU and relocating the family to Des Moines, Iowa. The family was completed in 1963, with the arrival of a third son, Jon Richard.

In Des Moines, Weldon worked for Meredith Publishing for a short time, Look Magazine until around 1966, then as an advertising executive with The Des Moines Register and Tribune.

Weldon had many interests and talents. He loved conversations and engaging in discussion, especially with people who held differing opinions! He loved creating things from wood, and thinking through solutions to everyday problems. He enjoyed making little rocking chairs, first for the grandkids, then the great-grandchildren.

Weldon passed away in the early morning of Monday, June 10, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by his wife, Jennie, his five children, and one grandson.

Weldon was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Mary, his three brothers, Darrell, Donald, and William, and his sister, Arlene (Grace) Prater.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Jennie Lea; his son, Jim (Barb) of Jefferson, Iowa; son, Jan (Phyllis) of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Pam Tam (Ed) of Polk City, Iowa; daughter, Patty Adams of Mitchellville, Iowa; and son, Jon of Des Moines, Iowa. He is also survived by his grandchildren, with their kids: Jeremy Grace (Adrienne) with Eno, Joshua Grace with Arlo, Jennilee Anderson with Jackson and Lillian, Sarah Adams (DaRaughn Smith Canada) with Jamariah, Jaeliana, Daemar, Shaylen, and Chantelle, and Jacob Adams (Kenzie) with Edison and Oliver. Weldon is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard Prater of Tarkio, Missouri.

Rest in peace, Dad. You’ve earned your wings.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Crestwood Baptist Church, 3717 Forest Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at Crestwood after the graveside service.

Contributions may be directed to Crestwood Baptist Church in loving memory of Weldon.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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