Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Leonard Dexter Welch was born at his family's humble home in Calvin, Okla., on Jan. 20, 1925. He was the youngest in his family unit and its last survivor. Growing up during the Dust Bowl, his parents, Adam and Dora Welch, made the decision to move to Central California in 1940. Dex attended Liberty high school in Brentwood. Calif., where he was a proud member of the high school band and enjoyed playing football.
Upon graduation from high school, he immediately entered the armed services on July 5, 1943, where he became a Private First Class, Co A 27th Infantry in the U.S. Army. Serving in the Asiatic Pacific receiving two medals, World War II Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, leaving his service by Honorable Discharge Dec. 20, 1944, due to injuries received during battle.
Dexter married the love of his life, Noma Dean Williamson, on March 10, 1951. They had four children, Denise Kay, Robert Dexter (deceased), Gregory Alen (deceased) and Darris Dawn; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Dexter and Noma enjoyed competitive ballroom dancing as a young couple and continued dancing with one another until Noma’s passing in March 14, 2016.
Dexter had a great love for many activities in life. He played trombone, saxophone, guitar and harmonica. He enjoyed singing, riding and training horses, collecting horse tack and he was an accomplished silversmith.
Dexter and Noma were deeply involved with their faith in Jehovah God and dedicated their life to him and his service in 1965 through baptism.
Dexter passed away in the care of Heart of Hospice at his home with Ashley Manor Memory Care in Hood River, Ore., on June 23, 2021. A deep and sincere thank you to the caregivers of Ashley Manor and Heart of Hospice.
He will be remembered by those he touch. Rest now daddy.
To plant a tree in memory of Leonard Welch as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.