3/3/1992
Services for Wyatt Melbourn Welch, 78, of Knoxville, who passed away March 3, 1992,were held on March 5 at the First United Methodist Church.
Burial was in Breckenridge Cemetery. Military rites were provided by Baty-Tucker Post No. 168 and American
Legion, John Myers Post No. 3519 V.F.W. Rev. K Waye Hoehn officiated at the services,
Music was provided by organist Nora DeReus and vocalist Richard Hunt.
Pallbearers were Gary VanGilst, Jay Thompson, Duane Jones, Merle Kennedy, Charles Beaver and
George Howell, Raymond Glenn, Russell Crozier, Marvin Flanders, Robert Boehmer, and John Bohm.
Wyatt Melbourn Welch was born on March 8, 1913, in Marion County on the farm where his wife now resides.
He was the son of James Albert and Myrtle M. Smith Welch. He graduated from Knoxville High School in the class of 1932.
During High School, Wyatt shared his musical talents in the school orchestra and glee club.
He organized a choir at the First Christian Church as well as a church orchestra
of which he was a member from an early age. Later, Wyatt organized and directed
the choir for seven years at the Attica United Methodist Church.
On September 14, 1941, he was united in marriage to Nell Ridlen in Knoxville. Wyatt was a farmer,
and carpenter and had been employed by the Iowa DOT from 1953 until retirement in 1978.
He enjoyed being outdoors. His military activity included serving in the 1st Armored
Division of the U.S. Army during World War II in North Africa and the Allied Forces
Invasion of Italy. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart in those
campaigns. Wyatt was a lifetime member of D.A.V., V.F.W., and the American Legion.
Wyatt and his brothers Myron and Howard, and a friend, Raymond Glenn, formed a quartet
that sang at many functions throughout the county. He was known as a vocal soloist
and was a member of the Red Rock Barber Shop group. In more recent years Wyatt
was an active member of the Chancel Choir of the First United Methodist Church in
Knoxville. In addition to his musical talent in church, he had been actively serving
as S.S. Superintendent, Deacon, Elder, Board Member, and adult worker with the church
a
nd he also sponsored Boy Scout Groups.
Even after being stricken with his illness, Wyatt and Nell attended many religious musical programs for his enjoyment. He was
preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Thelma; two brothers, Myron and Howard.
Survivors include his wife, Nell; Godchildren, Calvin Ridlen, and Melissa Hoch; sister, Vera Van Gilst of Killduff; a niece, Serana Means; and a nephew, Gary Van Gilst,
along with a host of friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Disease Foundation.