Lee Welden

Leland “Lee” Welden, 82, of Salem, Arkansas passed from this life on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Salem, Arkansas.  Lee was born May 4, 1938 to Leslie Welden and Mattie Elizabeth (Hardin) Welden in Hebbardsville, Kentucky.

Lee was married to Linda Kay Scott on July 17, 1967 in Brownsville, Tennessee.  Lee was a proud veteran.  Lee served in the United States Air Force (1956-1960) and was stationed at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan.  After his time in the service Lee got his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis with a degree in Accounting.  Lee went to work in Memphis, Tennessee for the pharmaceutical company Schering Plough (which was later bought out by MERCK, INC.).  Lee started as a clerk and worked his way up to Director of Financial Consolidations.  Lee was born in the years between the Great Depression and World War II.  Lee was determined to provide his family a more secure life and he worked hard to achieve the first college degree in his family.  Lee went on to build a strong financial foundation for his family and later supported both his children and granddaughter to complete their educations.  Lee was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and was of the Christian faith.

Lee leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Linda Welden of Salem, Arkansas; son, David Welden and wife Gale of Hermitage, Tennessee; daughter, Connie Welden of Franklin, Tennessee; granddaughter, Lisa Lin Welden of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; three brothers, Gene Welden of Arlington, Tennessee, Cosby Welden and wife Doris of Bartlett, Tennessee and Leon Welden and wife Tasia of Lakeland, Tennessee; many many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.  Lee is preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and a brother.

Graveside services will be Thursday, January 21, 2021, 10:00 AM at the Fairview Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas with Nelson Smith officiating.  Honorary pallbearers are Joe Casper, Tony Stillwell, Nelson Smith, Ryan Smith, Justin Smith, Al Roork, Bill Hoover and John Casper.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shepherd’s Chapel (PO Box 416, Gravette, Arkansas 72736), St Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee or the Alzheimer’s Association.  Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.