- Date Of Birth: May 31, 1919
- Date Of Death: March 16, 2016
- State: Idaho
L. Wayne Welch passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, in Nampa, Idaho.
Wayne was born in Shoshone, Idaho on May 31, 1919 to James G. and Estel Williamson Welch. They moved to the Nampa area in 1923 and later moved to Melmont in 1928.Wayne finished grade school there and graduated. He graduated from Melba High School in 1937. He married Erlene Watts on December 3, 1943. They began dairy and row crop farming in the Nampa area settling near Bowmont in 1957. He had a canned milk route and did custom harvesting in the valley also. They were married 64 years. Erlene passed away January 18, 2008.
Wayne and Erlene enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting and looking for arrowheads. They were members of the Owyhee County Historical Society. He helped develop the Southern Idaho Senior Recreational Area Park at Donnelly, Idaho.
Wayne is survived by his daughter Wanda (Dale) Keim; son, Dale Welch; four grandchildren, Ryan Keim, Jana Keim, Evan (Miranda) Welch, Dana (Sarah) Welch; Seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Erlene; brother Floyd; and daughter-in law Linda Welch.
The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Holly and Horizon Hospice for their care and kindness.
