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Born: May 11, 1916
Place of Birth: Thatcher, Arizona
Death: February 5, 2010
Place of Death: Safford, Arizona
Organizations: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Erma Green, Loving Wife of 66 years
David Green, Son
Glenna Green, Daughter-In-Law
Ronald Green, Son
Candy Green, Daughter-In-Law
Janice Holladay, Daughter
Dale Holladay, Son-In-Law
Tom Green, Son
Philip Green, Son
Patti Green, Daughter-In-Law
Olive Morris, Sister
Venice Coons, Sister
JoAnn Kempton Haggard, Sister
23 Grandchildren
33 Great-Grandchildren
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Sharon Ann Green, Daughter
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This memorial provided by:
Vining Funeral Home
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Life Legacy
Welden M. Green, born May 11, 1916, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2010. He was the second of nine siblings born to Bertha Mae and Jesse Lee and Green of Thatcher, AZ. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a successful businessman, civil servant, and celebrated war hero having served as an Army Lieutenant in World War II.
Welden was born in Thatcher and attended grade school in Ashurst at the old historic Redland School, which is still standing on Highway 70. He then attended elementary school and high school in Thatcher. After brief enrollments in the Gila Junior College (now EAC), Welden served as a Lieutenant in the US Army in World War II, being awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and the Good Conduct Medal. Green performed basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, later stationed in Camp Howse near Dallas, Texas, where he met his loving wife Erma in 1943. During his service in the Army, Green served in Panama, North Africa, Italy and France.
After his exemplary service in the US Army, Welden returned to Arizona where he was commissioned to re-activate the National Guard in the Gila Valley and served as Company Commander and Captain. He worked for Safeway Food Stores as a meat cutter for several years then purchased a grocery store on 8th Avenue called Green’s Market, which he owned and operated for 11 years before purchasing the Western Auto Store on Main Street.
Welden and his wife Erma owned and operated Western Auto together for many years, and he attributed much of their business success to his partner and wife Erma. The Western Auto business was eventually expanded to two different larger locations, and the Western Auto business still exists today as Western Auto Home Store and Green’s Furniture on Highway 70. As a business owner and citizen of Safford, Thatcher, and the Gila Valley, Welden made many valuable contributions to the area and its residents. Among his many civic services, he volunteered as chairman of the Salvation Army for many years, served as President of both the Gila Valley Rotary Club and the Safford Rotary Club, served as President and member of the Safford School Board for several terms, and was active in the Toastmasters International organization. In addition, he held many positions in the LDS Church, which he remained a devoted member throughout his life.
Welden is probably most remembered for his respect and devotion to his family, his desire to serve his country and fellow man, and his deep sense of humility. In his later years, though hindered by limited mobility due to being left partially paralyzed by a stroke in 2000, Welden never lost his keen sense of humor and heart-warming smile.
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