James L. “Pat” Weldon

James L. “Pat” Weldon was born June 17, 1927 near Vinson, Oklahoma. He died October 17, 2014 at the age of 87, in Amarillo, Texas. He met Lena Hope Jones at Goodwell, Oklahoma and they married February 24, 1949 at Clayton, New Mexico. They moved to Kenton to join the ranching operations of her family. They later moved to Boise City, Oklahoma, where they lived until 2007, when they moved to Amarillo.
Pat was the youngest of 11 children born to Jack and Nancy Weldon. The eldest son passed away before Pat was born. When Pat was seven months old, Nancy was left to raise all the children by herself. They farmed cotton, raised a garden, made it through the depression and were a very close-knit family. He left school after the 8th grade to help support he and his mom.
In 1944 Pat joined the Navy, at the age of 17 and served as a boatswain’s mate. Two brothers were already serving and a fourth brother went later. Pat served aboard the USS Alagrab in the South Pacific. He returned home in 1946, and worked for the L.O. Stocker Construction Company building refinery plants.
In 1954 Pat became sheriff of Cimarron County, Oklahoma. He served one term and was re-elected for second term. During the second term, he accepted an appointment, by the governor of Oklahoma, as a Game Ranger with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1956. He truly enjoyed serving the people of Cimarron County, stating that there is some good in every person. He tried to treat each person as he would have liked to be treated if the roles were reversed. He retired as a Game Ranger August 31, 1989 with 33 years of service.
Pat is a life member of the Masonic Lodge, VFW, Five-States Game Warden’s Association, State Game Ranger’s Association, National Rifle Association, National Game Warden’s Association, and a member of the International Game Wardens’ Association. He was an active member in the Veterans Ceremonial Team in Cimarron County for years. He along with Gene Pester, were the originators of the Five States Game Warden’s Association.
Pat and Hope loved their home in the country at Boise City, where they raised cattle and horses for many years. In 1985 they got out of the cattle business and leased the farm and ranch, but remained at their home until 2007. They then sold their home and land and moved to Amarillo to be close to family and medical facilities.
Pat and Hope had three children; Tom Pat and wife Lu Ann, of Amarillo, Texas, Bill Weldon of Liberal, Kansas and Regina Weldon. They have four grandchildren; Shawn Weldon and wife Kellie of Loganville, Georgia, Cody Weldon of Norman, Oklahoma, Sheri Weldon of Slaton, Texas and Kalen Weldon and wife Shannon, of Auburn, Washington. He has 5 great grandchildren. He has one living sister, Arlene Martin, a half-brother Walter Weldon and wife Lee and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Pat is preceded in death by his wife Hope in 2009, one daughter Patricia Hope Weldon in 1951, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, and one great grandson Lane Weldon.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 1:00pm at the Cimarron Mortuary Chapel, Boise City, Oklahoma with John Henley, officiating. Interment will be in the Kenton Cemetery, Kenton, Oklahoma with Military Honors. The family has suggested memorials in lieu of flowers to the Cimarron County Ambulance Equipment Fund, they may be left in care of the Cimarron Mortuary-Box 277, Boise City, Oklahoma 73933. Services by Cimarron Mortuary, Boise City, Ok.