Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Sammie Wayne Welker, a legendary softball pitcher, and avid Lincoln community supporter, passed away peacefully from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on August 26, 2013 with his family at his side. Sammie, a much-loved father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, currently residing in Lincoln, MT was born on August 16, 1937 in Bell City, Missouri.
In 1957 at the age of 18, Dad enlisted into the United States Air Force, spanning a military career of 22 years. He was stationed at several bases to include: Japan, Michigan, California, Wyoming, Newfoundland, and Montana. He honorably served as an Airborne Radio Operator, Para Rescue, while finishing his career as a Command and Control Superintendent. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Sam moved his family to Helena, MT to work for his Uncle Don at Didriksen Oil.
Although he refrained from talking about his service in Vietnam, we as a family feel it is necessary to highlight some of his accomplishments. For those he saved, he would be called a hero, to Sam it was his duty. He was handpicked for the Son Tay Raid, a POW rescue attempt. Among the stories known to his family he rescued many while under fire. His son Tim, while serving over sea’s, encountered one individual he rescued out of the jungle. Another story of a downed fighter pilot prompted his niece (Stacy) to join the Air Force.
Sammie was renowned for his contagious smile, southern charm and a huge cultivation of many friends. He was also infamous for his love of southern fried food and drink of all sorts. 🙂 Sammie enjoyed the horses, always studying the racing form and hoping for that elusive Triple Crown winner. “To his many family and friends, he appreciated the great company, laughter, and juicy gossip.” If Sam survived a short time longer he most likely would have had his “sugar plum” (Codie) set up a Facebook account, to keep current with such gossip. Sam also loved antiquing, fishing, going to auctions and drives in the springtime looking for wildflowers.
He is survived by his sister Jean (Dan) Dunaway of Bonne Terre, MO; daughter Laurie (David) Purcell, of Billings, MT, daughter Terry (Gene) Hughes, of Lincoln, MT, daughter Shari (Pat) Brownback, of Helena, MT, and only favorite son Tim Welker of Lincoln, MT. He is also survived by his grandchildren Mary (Joe) Clark, Megan (Travis) Jones, Malaree Purcell, Casey (Maunie) Sitch, Cory Sitch, Codie Hughes, Caitlyn (Taylor) Beto, Kyle Scott, Drew Brownback, Timothy “Sam” Welker and Mercadie Popluhar. He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Preceding him in death were his father and mother, Samuel Sterling and Helen Lorene (Dunlap) Welker, his sisters, Winnie Jo Welker and Mary Ann Cook.
Sammie will be laid to rest in the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison MT, during the spring of 2014. {Date tbd} In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sammie’s memory to Wounded Warriors www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Cremation has taken place. Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of services in Helena, MT. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Sammie, please visit below.
Dad,
We know you are on the Blackfoot River with your fly rod in hand, a grin on your face, a Rainier beer in your creel and the biggest fish on your line. Just know in your heart that your kids will be ok. May you rest in peace, we love you Dad.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Shari Welker Brownback says
Dad,
I know that you are finally at peace. I will miss you every day.
I love you
Shari
Murdo & Marlene Campbell says
Dear ones:
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. The obituary was a great tribute to a fine man by his children and touched our hearts. Sam was fortunate to have such loving care by his family during his final days.
Know he will be missed terribly by all of you. May light perpetual shine on your dad and may God bless all of you.
Maureen "Enie" Fisher says
Dearest Family of Sam,
My deepest Sympathies for the loss of your dad. He was a great inspiration to many and will be dearly missed. Happy days during baseball and community events. He will be greatly missed by our family, happy now that he is pain free and at peace. God Bless All of you and prayers are with you.
Love and Blessings,
Maureen
Del Laughery says
My father was stationed at Ellsworth AFB with Sam. I knew his children as a teenager. I’m so sad to hear of his passing.