Calvin Victor Weldon

Calvin V. Weldon, 90, resident of Cottonwood, passed away at home with family by his side on Monday, February 25, 2007. He was born July 26, 1916 to Silas John and Cornelius "Neelie" Weldon in Dover, Ohio, where he was privileged to grow up on a farm. Calvin attended the local elementary school and high school. One of the highlights of his youth was attending the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago, Illinois with his high school band. He was able to take his father's car, a couple of his band friends, and $30.00. Still to this day, he was amazed his parents would let him go as it was the first time he had left home, let alone the family farm! The band had a phenomenal performance, and went on to receive National Awards. In 1946, Calvin moved to Phoenix, and worked 13 years as a draftsman at Allison Steel. It was here that he met the love of his life, Margaret Neely, whom he made his bride in May of 1951. It was in 1961 that they moved to Sedona and operated their own Real Estate office, working as a licensed broker until his retirement, but kept his license in force until his 90th birthday! Calvin was the second oldest real estate broker in the state of Arizona! Calvin was a broker professionally, but in his heart, he was a farmer, next to Margaret, farming was his first love. In his spare time, he grew a thriving fruit orchard at their ranch on Chavez Ranch Road. Calvin had a tremendous love for the Lord, the land, and all of God's creatures. These values he instilled in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and that love will continue throughout the coming generations. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Earl and Harold; and three sisters, Dorothy, Pearl, and Margaret. Calvin leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Margaret Weldon of Cottonwood; two sons, Calvin Reed Weldon with his wife, Patricia of Sun City, and Craig Neely Weldon with his fianc, Elaine of Phoenix; two daughters, Gail Elaine McCracken with her husband, Roy of Cottonwood, and Deborah June Newland with her husband, Michael of Chandler; one sister, Pauline Lampe of Beach City, OH; 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held in Calvin's honor on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 10:00am at the First Southern Baptist Church in Cottonwood. Donations, made in his name can be sent to either the First Southern Baptist Church, 1020 Camino Real, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326, or to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com