A time to rejoice in reuniting with dear ones. Praise Jehovah for the hope he has given us

One Moment in 1986 in the Brooklyn Bethel lobby with Weldon, and my father Jack Moore and I felt as if we'd known him for years. We wrote for 30 years, the past 12 from Costa Rica. He will be 'forever missed', until we meet again in paradise.

Our dear brother happy with his Pam Jam 

Pam and I are happy we had the privdgle of spending time with Weldon. After this we were able to travel to Los Soso and meet many more of Weldon's dear friends 

Thank you Weldon for sharing your wonderful friends 

Looks like they were having fun!!!!

Here is a picture of Weldon and my dear wife Pam making Pam Jam at Weldons at our last visit around July/ August 2015 

This picture was taken by our dear brother Dennis Dakos late summer 2015 when Pam and I were out to visit our dear brother Weldon. We had the privilege of taking Weldon to visit some of his long time friends like Dennis and his dear wife whom we got to meet for the 1st time. Also dear friends like John Avera and Barny Hutchson Amd there families. 

We are so happy we got to spend that time with Weldon and meet his friends so we could form new friendships that we cherish so much. Thank you Weldon for sharing 

And that you brothers responsible for this wonderful web site 

Love to you all your brother Sparkie and Pam Edwards 

 Weldon.....How  much  you  have  encouraged and  helped  all who have  known  you.  A  Man  of  God  who  could  always put those  in his  company  in a  "Happy  Place"!  
I  met  Weldon on one  of my  many  trips  to  Santa  Barbara  to  visit  our  friend  Laura  Wildman.  On  one  occassion several  of  us  had  taken  a  day  trip together  and  I  can  still  hear  Weldon  saying...."Girls, Go  out  in  the  kitchen  and  fix  us  all  something  to eat."    A  wonderful   meal  it  was.....Pasta...salad..garlic  bread...and  dessert...and  of  course  a  glass  of  wine.:) Thanks  to  my  friend  Sheila,  it  all  came  together.  Such  a  wonderful  evening that  encouraged  all  who  were  present.  We  all  left..  with  added  love  for  our  God  Jehovah!  

 On  one  of  my  visits to  Santa  Barbara...Weldon  asked  me...."Have  you  seen your  son,  Warner  yet"?  I  hesitated... No....He  does  not  know  I am  here...I am  not gonna  see him  this  year."  (Warner had  been inactive  for  years)..   All  of  you  who  know  Weldon can  just  imagine his  response.  "Kay....If  your  son  finds  out  that  you  came  to  Santa  Barbara and  did  not  visit  him...He will be  crushed"!    NEXT  thing  I  know  we  are  in Weldon's   "Stickshift" Car  on  our  way  to  surprise  Warner:)  IT WAS A GOOD THING!

Laura  and  I  were  having  Breakfast  with Weldon at  Summerland's  Beach Cafe in  Summerland......   After  Weldon  had  ordered a  meal  that  did  NOT include  gravy he asked   "Could  I  get  a  Dollop of  gravy on  the  side?"   The waitress comes  back  with the  gravy..."That  will  be    a  dollar  fifty extra"   ...
I  will  leave  his  reply to your  imagination:)   Kind  words  but  she  got  the  point.....There  was  NO  extra  charge  for  the  "DOLLOP" 


Weldon... I will  try  and  explain why I  did  not  make  it  from  Iowa  to  California for  your  Memorial  when  I  see  you  again....a  decision that  I regret  now...But  knowing  you  Weldon......."Kay....Let's all  have  lunch....I  want  to  know  how  all are  doin..all about  life  during  the  Great Tribulation..Please  Tell  me  Warner  is  here."  

  Looking  forward  to  being  in  the  long line  of  your "Welcoming Home"   "Gathering"  as  you call them.

       Your  Friend,  Kay

This picture is in our home in Waterford Pennsylvania

My wife Pam and 5 of our 8 Kids. 

Oldest in picture to youngest 

Joni, Jodi, Will,Wallissa , Missy

We had a wonderful time with Weldon. 

Happiness is a bright beacon; it must be shared.  Weldon shared truth, truth made him happy.  Socially Weldon lived two ways; both tied to the Kingdom.  He was friendly like paradise; he was instructional like a master teacher.  

He loved the word Jehovah and loved to use the word happy when he prayed.  He loved big windows, he wanted to look-out and be reminded of Jehovah's creation.  From his living-room you can see the layers of a backdrop: the sky over the ocean, the Santa Barbara mountains, the pines, then up close, the plants and flowers that bartered their beauty for his water.

Weldon esteemed relationships but you may have notice he didn't pour exhaustive energy into you.  You were safe in the Kingdom, the urgency was for those finding their way to the flock.  There, on a sidewalk, at a front door, at the campus center, or just in a random parking lot, Weldon was engaged in a conversation.  We don't know how many, it doesn't matter, for him the next talk was all the difference.

It seemed like Weldon understood the design of mortality like few people; it was telling in the way he scheduled his time.  He would not limit his day in one activity; like the pollenation work, the many flowers were waiting.  Somehow for Weldon, the great devotion to the Kingdom was more natural than the cost of sacrifice contained in the dripping of time.

Some servants regret very little because they are responsible with their measure of faith.  Weldon did not look back, there was too much to do looking forward.  I learned from Weldon to keep things close to the truth because time gets shorter, not longer.  Getting too far from the truth takes longer getting back to the truth.  It is easy to be distracted from the eternal purpose; he made it his pleasure to relate life and people to the truth.

Our visits were centered on the fineness of Jehovah's creation.  Inevitably after lunch, he was off to meet or host others, we could not corral him for too long, we were being edified, and still, we never got enough of his time.  Like a shepherd afoot in the hills, he moved throughout the flock.

If you made it to his home you were handed his guestbook to sign, like journeymen for the Kingdom, many hundreds or thousands wrote a statement and meant it deeply.  In 1990 I signed Weldon's guestbook for the first time.  We had salad, conversation, visitors and always a prayer.  I couldn't help but think, as the scriptures mention, "some unknowingly entertained angels."  He was kind and patient with me on every occasion.  I live a few hours away, he sent me cards and emails, I felt he prayed for me; he left me in good hands with a brother who he esteemed infinitely.

His private life must have been glorious to the angels and Jehovah.  The fruitages point to prayer and thoughtfulness for others. In his home, his study is replete with signs of a steward for knowledge and relationships.  His library affixed to the wall was his arena; the evidence of learning and scholarship.  His desk is decorated with yellow post-its and notes, all with names and numbers; no doubt the individual calls made in discipleship.

Weldon had an inclusive approach to people.  Socio-economics, cultural and religious inclinations did not change his aim to help them.  He had no time for contention, no time for judgement; there was only time and opportunity to share truth, truth made him happy.

Things about Weldon you may not know:
He worked in Bethel for 16 years.
He set up a table for public witnessing at the University of California Santa Barbara for nearly two decades.
He was offered a new car. He drove an old one.
He was advised to raise the rent, he did not. 
He was not an Inn keeper, his home was not large, many visited, and many stayed.
He had a little sweet tooth for chocolate and jam.

A footnote: Weldon shared himself immensely, the humanity he encountered felt the truth; he was a bright beacon...still today atop his kitchen counter sits a jar of jam in a gift bag with an unkown name.  No doubt a return visit on a call.  Who will deliver it now?  Who will deliver the truth?  Weldon has passed the beacon.

One final image:  If the world would freeze in one moment of happiness, I think for Weldon it would have been that moment when he was entering into conversation about Jehovah.  Truth and hope were his rush.  His kind eyes, his kind eyes, will be missed for a short while.
 

Cry It from the Mountain Tops

Winter 1973. I was fasting and felt down. I never read the Bible but I picked one up and read, "Keep on asking,and it will be given you; keep on seeking,and you will find." I prayed for the first time and started hitch hiking south on the Calif. coast.
While standing at a hiway on-ramp a group of greasy people came and started to hitch hike also. 'No one will stop and give me a ride now'. So I hiked a long distance along the frontage road to another on-ramp, an isolated one with almost no traffic. It started to rain.I stood next to a huge Eucalyptus tree feeling down.    EARLIER, Weldon left S.F. to go home to Ventura. Usually very organized Weldon forgets to get gas. So he,coincidentally, pulls off the hiway at the forlorn big tree. He stops to give me a ride. Friendly and enthusiastic he introduced himself and said he's a minister. 'Oh, No',I think to myself. He gave me a fig newton( just like Weldon to share right away) and I explained that I was going to a 30 day Transcendental Meditation retreat In Santa Barbara. He had me read Rev.21:8 ( he disagreed years later,) but I remember "spiritism". We drove along and talked freely, not that Weldon had much to say.    Weldon explains that this little blue book has 22 chapters. 'Why don't you cancel the TM retreat? We can study one chapter a day for 22 days and you will know that the Bible is the truth.' For some strange reason I agreed. At Weldon's urging I called and was refunded the $375 TM fee. Weldon was criticised(outside the box again) for having a bearded guy with a rope belt at his house. But we studied and washed windows together. It went so fast Weldon suggested I study it a second time with another elder. So I got baptized in May along with at least one other brother who also studied with Weldon   . How many baptized ones studied with Weldon,50...100? He would not say. He spoke to people at the print shop, the grocery, when we were on Wild Horse? Island in Montana, hey, there were 3 other people there. Anywhere, all the time reaching out to people with that finest message.    When my Mom had cancer he brought her a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers.'Oh wait,these won't last,' he says. So he goes out and brings in a stunning dry arrangment. She was so delighted. Very generous and thoughtful. When she went to the hospital Weldon learned that my Mom was a fan of a movie actress who became a witness. So Weldon arranged for this sister to visit her...    Almost 40 years ago Weldon commented that Islam will play a significant role in the great tribulation. Now it's the most dangerous entity on earth. What profound insight.    Once a brother failed to get up and handle the part on the service mtg. I looked at Weldon, he hesitated just a moment but got up and suggested we read a scripture. While the congregation looked it up Weldon quickly scanned the material. He proceeded and no one could tell that he was not prepared. Incredible ability.     Weldon is probably the only person who ever called me,'My dear brother.'  So I say to my dear brother,'Oh, how we will miss you!' 

In 1970, while living off of Seaward Ave. in Ventura, a very special man entered my life. Forty-five of my 51 years on this earth have been with memories and encouragement through the decades of time, of and from my dear Weldon.  I say “my Weldon”, because he had a way of being so completely in the moment with me, he made me feel as if I was his only little girl friend on earth.  As I grew older, of course I found out I was not the center of his universe--he would have NEVER told me otherwise!  He had that special magnetism that drew so many young ones to him.  I witnessed this over and over through the years.  We moved from Ventura, but never lost contact.  As I was in those treacherous teenage years, anytime I saw Weldon, he had a way of encouraging me without being “preachy”, always so kind, so real, so silly--in almost, a well, mischievous way--it’s okay, he’d agree!  As he heard that maybe things were not so great for me at the time, he invited me to be in a drama for the District (now Regional) Convention that he was helping with at Dodger Stadium, CA in 1979.

What an attitude change being included in that drama fostered in me.  I got to be around brothers and sisters in other congregations for practice sessions, making what I now consider to be life-long friends with so many that were in the drama, like Andy Kunisawa, Connie Crowe, Paul Kohlmier, and the list goes on. 

The last time I spoke to him was this past summer at the Regional Convention in Bakersfield, CA.  I was up in the seats, he making his rounds on the floor…I actually called down to him, he looked up and had that signature Weldon happy-eyed-smiley face and then mouthed, “It’s so good to see, you. How are you?” I said, “good, and good to see you too. See you soon!” 

While my husband, Steven, met Weldon only once, he certainly has thoughts to share about him:

“As Stephanie mentioned, I met Weldon one time, at the 2004 District Convention in Long Beach, CA.  It was so nice to finally put a face to the name that was so integral to our vacations and spiritual, family discussions.  You see, prior to leaving on a driving trip, we would print out multiple letters that Weldon had emailed to Mom and Dad (Kathy and Steve DeSoto), who would send them on to us, and then we would proceed to read them aloud to one another (the passenger reading to the driver, of course!) as the miles rolled by.  So much encouragement, laughter, tears!  Those trips were shorter than they otherwise would have been without Weldon in the car with us!”

How wonderful it will be, if we are ones counted worthy enough to be at younger, healthier Weldon’s resurrection gathering, to be able to make good on my last verbal statement, to my dear, loving, encouraging brother of “See you soon!”.

Stephanie DeSoto-Suchy & Steven Suchy

Fillmore, English congregation, California

stevenstephi@earthlink.net

We were on our way to serve in Spanish in Belize. A loooong way from New Zealand, in the South Pacific.  We were going to visit Patterson, and asked Weldon if he knew anyone in Service that we might be able to chat with.  "Oh yes, you must talk with this brother."  Turns out that it was one of his old friends, a brother named Sam Roberson.  We met with him and he gave us 45 minutes of his valuable time, and much encouragement.  Only much later did we realise just who Sam Roberson was... now we see him on JW Broadcasting and say: "We know him!"

(We served a year in Belize)

So it's a Saturday morning, and I'm packing up my stuff. Late 1991. My last day at Bethel. The phone rings. A voice I had never heard before, but one that was sooo familiar.  Yes, it was Weldon!  He rang and spoke for a while, and encouraged me as I left Bethel, one Bethelite to another.  It was so kind and thoughtful of him. Me? Who was I? No one. And yet Weldon took the time to call and offer some encouragement. I'll never forget that.

My wife and I arrived to stay with Weldon, en-route to the Annual Meeting in October 2007. He wasn't going.  We get to his place and Weldon says to us "Oh good, you can drive me to the airport." I ask him why.  "I'm going to the Annual Meeting," he says.  Yes, he got a last minute invite and he was off. Nevermind that visitors had come from afar to meet him in the flesh for the first time, a spiritual highlight was the most important thing and not to be missed!  So, I drove him to the airport next morning, about 5am.  We drive on the left in New Zealand... I only went the wrong side of the road once! We all met up in New York at Stanley Theatre, as you can see from the photo.

It would have been 1974 when I set in the kingdom hall on cedar street with two wiggly boys on each side of me, Jamie three and Ryan two years old.  It was at this point in my life that I felt I should stay home (not really) until these over active young ones learned to sit quietly through the meetings.  I longed for the peaceful,  prechildren days when I could enjoy an intesting Bible lecture.   At the podium was our dear brother Weldon giving his talk on, "children are a blessing from Jehovah".  When the meeting was over and I was thoroughly convinced that a childless state is what I should have chosen,  I asked Weldon this question.  "Brother Howze,  at what age are these children to become a blessing."  He laughed so hard and told me that was a very good question!  I am happy to say, that all these years later,  Jamie and his family are servants of Jehovah and Ryan loved Jehovah til the day he died.  So Weldon was right...children are a blessing from Jehovah!  This is just one of many fond memories.

My family and I have known Weldon since 1970.  There is nothing more I can add to the previous testimonies about Weldon.  We agree with all of them!  For myself Weldon always reminded me of Mr. Rodgers in his neighborhood, especially when he wore his sweaters.  A zealous lover of Jehovah and minister of God's Kingdom type of Mr. Rodgers. I would enjoy telling you my dear friends one Weldon story that will touch my heart for the remainder of my life.  My first born son was the kind of son every parent would love to have.  Prior to his dedication and baptism he chose to live with his mother in California verses me in Texas.  The time he spent there changed his life.  He returned to Texas but rejected Jehovah.  When he was 32 he took his life using the same drugs he was addicted to.  Initially I approached three dear brothers asking for a funeral talk at a funeral home.  Due to my son not being a spiritual brother, living a debotched life style and also having taking his own life their conscience would not allow them to feel comfortable doing so.  No problem, call Weldon, he would step out of the box.  He readily accepted the invitation, flights were arranged and 300 folks, spiritual friends, my sons friends and his work mates heard the best talk ever on the condition of the dead and the hope of the resurrection.  The only mention of my son was his name, year of birth and death.  The love Weldon put into that talk touches my heart even today.  Weldon stayed with us five days then returned home.  I'm thrilled I had opportunities to take many pictures with our dear brother.  I have a wonderful hope of Weldon studying with my son on a paradise earth if it is Jehovah's will.

Many thousands of people knew my uncle, he touched their lives in ways that many only wish they had the ability to do. As a young boy, I thought to myself, " Man, is that all Uncle Weldon does, is talk about Jehovah and Creation?!?  He should try fishin' or something once in while!" Little did I know!

I am the only son of Weldon's only sister, Barbara. It was not until I was in my late 30's that I came to truly appreciate My uncle for whom he was.... I guess I was guilty of taking him for granted, not fully appreciating what was at my disposal. I thank Jehovah for giving me the opportunity to "milk" ( I use that term lovingly)  Uncle Weldon and glean much wisdom and many helpful nuggets during our many visits. His keen insight, discernment, and great love for everyone he knew.... I can only hope I was able to somehow, get a little of his "dust" to settle onto me.

I cannot count the times, when I would meet someone, one thing would lead to another, I would say, "You may know an uncle of mine, Weldon Howze."  

"Weldon Howze is YOUR Uncle?!!" Invariably would be the response..... That person would call out to their spouse, "Honey, this is Weldon's nephew!". 

"OH! We just LOVE Weldon!!! How is he doing?!"

True Story.... In 1981, I was 17 years old and had managed to book a trip to see Bethel, and be in NYC for a week. I called Uncle Weldon, (back when I took him for granted) and asked if he knew anyone that could help me get in to see a Broadway play. I gave him the dates I would be in the city, he said he would see why he could do. I arrived at my hotel, checked in, and the person behind the desk said, " OH, Mr.Henry, those two gentlemen over there have been waiting to see you." 

Turns out, the men were brothers serving at Brooklyn Bethel. They handed me an envelope. Inside, we're two tickets to the Broadway play, Amadeus. At that time, it was the hottest play on Broadway. I thanked them, and asked them, while pulling out my wallet, "What do I owe you?"

The reply was, "Nothing, Weldon has done more for us than what these are worth."

Another true story..... Some years ago, I traveled to Germany. Prior to leaving, I had called Uncle Weldon and we visited for a while. I asked if he knew anyone there in Bethel Selters, Germany.

He said, "Yes, I do. He is on the Branch Committee there".  

I arrived at Germany Bethel, guess who takes me a tour of the branch......Yep, his friend, the Branch committee member. We talked about Uncle Weldon almost as much as we did about the Bethel there. 

My dear friends of Uncle Weldon, I relate these stories in the hopes that you will recall with fondness your own  "Weldon" stories. Some of you have, and have posted them here at this site. Please, grieve not for Uncle Weldon. It is not what he would want. Instead, make it your firm resolve to make him smile and greet you in the new system.

Yours,

Bryce

It took me days or maybe longer to come to this site. If I ignored the letters and follow ups from friends, perhaps it would all be a big mistake. We could laugh then instead of cry. I never cry. Perhaps I have always just ignored any reality that did not make me happy.

But finally I have come to the point, with Jehovah's help, to deal with something sad without being undone by it. God will provide us with our desire to see Weldon again. Weldon of the one name like famous Hollywood persons. Our Weldon, and yes, your Weldon as well as my Weldon. What an amazing man.

When Weldon wrote you a letter it sounded like he knew you all your life. New friends or old were all dear to him, precious even. I doubt there was a person on earth with which he did not feel connected. I cannot see him being angry with anyone. 

I can sit and regale people with tales from my life. I do it to keep people at a distance.

Weldon could sit and regale people by listening to their tales of their lives. He did it to draw people closer. I have learned so much from that one talent of his. And that was only one of his many talents. Jehovah so blessed him with insight. Weldon was a wise, kind man who loved Jehovah and therefore loved Jehovah's people.

To all of you who left a note, thank you. I feel much better knowing about you from the words you wrote. It helped me to focus my feelings and get back to work in Jehovah's fields. 
 

Of course, around the world there must be many, many, people with that same name.  But, to EVERYONE I've come in contact with for the past almost 40 yrs., when the name WELDON comes up in conversation, EVERYONE KNOWS who we're talking about--and we Never have specify "HOWZE"--it's just a Given!!
    Why?  Because, this One Person reached out to each of US individually and touched our Hearts/Minds/Lives so profoundly that He will never be forgotten by each of Us and by Our Loving Heavenly Father.
    Before I ever came to Ventura, I met Weldon thru a mutual friend of his who lived in North Hollywood, Ca.--that was back in the mid/late '70's.
    The first deeply life-altering memory I have of him is when he organized a special dramatic presentation--a soliloquy--(at least 30 plus yrs. Ahead of its time inside God's Organization--he really did live and think "outside the Box"!!  But for those who benefited from his depth of understanding of PEOPLE and their feelings/thoughts WE will be Forever Grateful--ESP. As it cost him a high price more that once! And in many more ways than one!!).  Somehow, he was able to get permission to use the Woodland Hills Assembly Hall. The name of that Famous drama was "The Single Sister". The entire Assembly Hall was filled beyond capacity with many sitting on the floor in each isle.  There wasn't a seat or a dry eye in the entire Assembly Hall! Each of us--single and the married too were so personally touched by The Single Pioneer Sister's prayerful musings about her lot in LIFE and how or when or in what way would/could JEHOVAH do to support her and bless her NEEDS. Weldon's Style became more and more apparent to me over ALL these yrs.
    When I finally moved to Ventura, I had the wonderful privilege of being in his Cong. When he was WT Study conductor!!!  WOW!!! Each WT Study felt like I supposed a Gilead Meeting must be like.
    He once gave me some sage advice about how to put into practical application the principle at Mt. 6:33.  He said that in the Old Days, the new missionaries would hit town and FIRST start preaching and then 2nd see how JEHOVAH would provide for their material Needs--including  a place to live.  That certainly was my deeply stressful concern.  I'd tried doing it "backwards" by First Looking all over town for a rental--the Only thing I found was frustration and discouragement.  Then, I tried Weldon's advice--WOW!!! What an amazing turn around!!! I was blessed with a beautiful and quiet duplex and lived there very happily for 17 1/2 yrs!!!
Of course none of us is perfect, and many of us (including myself and Weldon) can at times demonstrate a strong personality.  So, from time to time, Weldon and I didn't see things the same way.  But, that didn't stop either of us from caring deeply about each other. So, as he can't contradict  me (right now), I'm going to take this opportunity to disagree with him on this one point:  this is NOT Weldon's FINAL Letter--it's just the LATEST--we'll be waiting anxiously for the next installment after his resurrection.
    His passing is TRUELY overwhelming for many of us--somehow we REALLY thought that he would never age and never die.  When I 1st heard the Terrible News, I was shocked--as I'm sure Most of you were too.  But, I've been keeping you ALL (all around the world) in my prayers because I just knew this painful notice would be like a worldwide tsunami that would leave oceans of tears and devastated hearts in its wake!!!
    I wish I had the gift Weldon has of tenderly comforting each one, but, that was his SPECIAL FORTE and he will be in so many of the Friend's hearts for that very reason.
Please let me offer these poems (that I had previously written for other dearly loved Faithful Ones) as a small measure of Comfort and Hope to YOU ALL-- and APPLY them to WELDON as well.  He certainly stands out as an integral part of "a Great Cloud of Faithful Witnesses"--Heb. 12:1.

                "LIVING TREASURES"
Our Dear Older Ones so faithful and true
Are Precious Treasures to me and to you
Like Rare gems of Opal and Sapphire Blue

They live in our hearts, although at present they are at rest
They are in Jehovah's Book of Life because they ALWAYS gave Him their BEST

Right now our pain at their loss runs deep
But SOON our JOY will be replete. When them again we greet
Because our Tender Father will make their recovery complete

When our dear older ones are FOREVER YOUNG
They'll Always be LIVING TREASURES to draw experience from,
As they reside among the newer generations to come

We'll  have endless opportunities to see these priceless ones shine more brilliantly
                                  For all eternity 
they'll be precious gems to Jehovah,  to you, and to me.

 "THE GRAND REUNION SONG"

Welcome Back! Welcome Back!
How we've longed to see you here
Those many years without you dear
have instantly all melted away
now that you're back in our arms to stay

How many stories of past events we have to share
Babylon went down without a flare
Armageddon cleaned the earth of all the left-over evil there
So NOW we can breathe TRUELY fresh air
Because there's peace everywhere
We've seen Jehovah's glory without compare!

We've been working happily every day to bring conditions back to Paradise
What a marvelous blessing we have TODAY
to see you Young again with our own beaming eyes
to have you back in good health and to join us in the New Work of God this way

Day after day, our joy increases as Jehovah releases our dear ones from the Grave, never again to be inslaved

Today we cry out joyfully at your return and tomorrow you'll sing with us
Welcome Back! Welcome Back !
To yet more and more as Jesus' ransom comes to the fore
What future blessings lay in store?

Only time will tell, but,
Today our  hearts and love for God swell
and our hope is bright
because you're LIVING proof that Jehovah Always does what is RIGHT

Welcome Back!  Welcome Back!

I met dear Weldon thru a friend many years ago and asked Weldon if I can receive his letters. How thankful that he did.

Weldon was so thoughtful and caring. I enjoyed calling him a couple of times. To check on how he was doing to cry and explain my woes. He truly was loving, kind, caring.

I will miss him deeply. But look forward to seeing him soon in Jehovah's promised Paradise.

I was delighted to finally meet Weldon at a recent event for Holocaust survivors at the Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, Ca in October 2015.  Though he looked as a quiet and unassuming man, I wondered he sure had a powerful pen.  He regaled us with stories and stories from around the world and we heard of such heart warming experiences.  Sometimes, I had to read a para or two and come back to read a para or two and it took me a while but experiences and pictures just touched me.

There is no doubt that his journey of faith has ended but his life now rests in the hands of the Living God, who never fails his faithful servants. 

When I saw I had 2 letters from Weldon, this morning, I was excited. As usual, I looked forward to reading his upbuilding experiences, but, "His Final letter"? Perhaps we can change his mind!  As I read the IMPORTANT message, my heart sank. O, no!1! No more letters from Weldon? I became very sad and shed tears at the loss of our sweet, generous, loving, brother. 
Originally, we were receiving his emails second hand, until I contacted  Weldon, and began to receive them directly. We shared the emails with friends who shared them with their friends, thus reaching quite a number of our brothers and sisters, including one who was receiving dialysis and found the letters comforting to her as she went through the treatments.
Weldon shared with me that he was a few months older than I and feeling the effects of old age. My husband and I could relate to that. We found that we had become slower in our pioneer service, but loved doing businesses and foreign language persons in our territory here in Mass. In July, my husband, 90, had a massive stroke, and hasn't been doing very well. Infact, we don't know how much longer we will have him with us.
I feel sad that I hadn't written to Weldon since February or so, at which time my husband was in the hospital.
Weldon kept sending his encouraging letters. I always expected to have more time to write to him eventually. It shows that we need to act, not just think about it. We never know when the opportunity will be lost.
So now we have to wait until his resurrection when we will join the rest of you in joyfully welcoming Weldon back. It's going to be a long, long line waiting to greet him!!! 
Who will share experiences with us now? 

I was an angry young man just out of the service 1971 and very disallusioned with what life had given me. Weldon came knocking on my door one sunny afternoon in Ventura and I said to him "come on in and we can phylosify about religion". I had no idea how my life would change? Weldon became a regular at my door and often times would have to come back at a better time due to the activities taking place inside the home. He never gave up on me over the years between our meeting and his performing my marriage to my wife Patricia of 42 years.  There are so many stories to tell regarding Weldon and me, but he will always be a part of my family, memories, and in our hearts.
With much love and affection my dear brother,
Greg and Patricia Lyon
Chico, Calif.

When I was very young I would get to go to Bishop Ca. and spend the summer with my grandmother who at that time was Company Servant in Bishop. The Kingdom Hall was her home. He was sent there to help out and arrived with Denver Ming. Our territory was vast I think from near the Nevada line to below Red Rock Canyon.
I remember working in the field service for the first time with him. Over the years he would come up to Tehachapi Ca and we would have lunch with my wife with him. We always shared such wonderful memories and experiences. I remember serving at Bethel during many of the years he was there. I think he was there a number of years after I left.

He was such a special brother and always shared his joys with others. We will truly miss Weldon and how we look forward to being there to welcome him back in that righteous New World where we will be  young again. Getting old is surly for grownups not for sissies as I am finding out but how Weldon made the best of his years in saving lives.   

Since you wrote to us tho you are now sleeping, and urged us to 'think outside the box' I will write to you as if you were not yet sleeping in death. My dear Weldon, I remember very clearly the day I realized that Jehovah's witnesses taught Bible truth, I was angry. Yes! I didn't want to be responsible to anyone! Not even to a Heavenly Father. I decided to go to one last meeting. I sat at the back of the Kingdom Hall, a brooding, damaged 19 year old that had difficulty trusting anyone, or anything. Then I began to look around at you all. You had all been so loving and patient to this smart aleck, know it all (who didn't!) I looked around at this tight family group of all different kinds of people that had each loved me, really and truly! Oh how I had longed for this since childhood. Why was I angry? I decided then and there I would serve this loving Heavenly Father along with these wonderful, imperfect but loving people! Do you remember showing me such love? Remember when I was lost and alone? You had given a talk about baptism, and you said that if anyone wanted to be baptized at the coming assembly to let you know. I hadn't even told Hanna and Judy of my desire, when I went and told you. You arranged for me and another older lady to come over to your little home on 'the row' to go over the questions that would help you and the other elders determine if I really knew what decision I was making. I was very determined! I had so throughly tried to prove the Jehovah's witnesses wrong (poor Greg and Francine Brown!) that I had proved without a doubt how correct their understanding of the Bible was, there was no stopping my course! I had made the decision to become one of Jehovah's servants and yet had no family that supported me and finally, my young husband got fed up with my pursuit of this 'new religion' and kicked me out of the house. Hanna and Judy took me into their home and hearts. I soon found my own place, just a few houses from them. After that, I spent many pleasant days and some evenings with other witnesses in your home, Jana and Marian lived there too, as did Matt and Mark for a time--we had so many pleasant times there on 'the row!' We shared meals, whatever we had we'd add to the pot and end up with a wonderful meal! We'd sing songs and share field service experiences and laugh! It was a glimpse of the new world! Maria Christina moved in with me and we pioneered together with all the others, Hanna and Judy, Matt and Karrie, Mark and Blaine. Many of us worked in the cleaning business with you, that wasn't easy as we were young and you were Bethel trained! You really got mad at me once--I was screaming and running and making such a fuss! We were at Thatcher School, and Mark was chasing me with a spider! But you forgave me and took us all to eat dinner at your mother's house in Ojai. Do you remember? I sure do because she was really a good cook!!! There were more organized parties, like that one in the Valley with the Prebles, when you had called Maria Christina and I a few days ahead of time and had us work up a skit to perform at the party. A skit about a discouraged pioneer, thinking about quitting, but then getting a new Bible study and knowing that was a blessing from Jehovah! Others came up to us afterward to say how it was just what they needed! It was such a good time to learn to serve Jehovah and you helped us all. We learned that since we were more focused and spiritually strong, we now needed to be encouraging to others. Those lessons stuck, dear Weldon. You moved. My life changed. But I visited you often. Whenever I arrived at your house in Santa Barbara, perhaps with Maria Christina or someone else, you'd put us to work in the kitchen. You would call others for a meal and you always had a new Bible student coming over too. We'd share experiences and talk about how we learned the Truth. Just like when I was new! It was always wonderful to encourage others. Isn't that the Christian way? It was certainly YOUR way! Thank you for teaching me that! Remember when we took our student Jace, to Bethel, remember how you took him to Patterson, introduced him to some of your long time friends there, remember how we sang songs up in the clock tower? You always paid special attention to the new, weak or discouraged--you always saw their potential! He served for years at Walkill after that, and still serves in the area as an elder. He is one of MY spiritual children, so he was your grandchild! I really AM one of your children Weldon. You taught me so much. I'm feeling the loss of you, now that I don't have Hanna or Judy, Harold or Addie Belle, Dorothy Reid or those that were there that day, that time I looked around that little Kingdom Hall on Cedar Street and saw the family that I had always wanted, that I had prayed for before I even knew who the Hearer of prayer was. Most of you are sleeping in death now. Stewart calls it a 'dirt nap' and as Judy told me 'she'd be on the sleeper car.' Whatever metaphor helps you to remember the temporary nature of this period. But I am an orphan now--I will pout for awhile about it. But I will pick myself up and my Father will help me, and I will get back to work helping others. For that goal you lived your 85 years Weldon, and I'm going to do the same. I will remember your final advice--I do take it very personal--to think outside the box of ways to help others and always remember to help the stumbled ones. Those of us who are your friends will come together and enjoy each other and be happy to be alive and to be serving a most loving Heavenly Father! See you soon my dear Weldon, with much love, Pegi Reid

In 1983, I was a 27 year old who came to the hall a few times, always in jeans and a tee shirt and my long, shoulder length hair...the Cedar St. Kingdom Hall had those lime green and yellow striped seats (the airline seats, as they were lovingly referred to by the friends)...I raised my hand for the first time during the Watchtower study. Weldon was conducting and was looking at the other side of the hall, so I felt safe in raising my hand and being overlooked. Well, it was as if he had some sort of radar...he snapped back to his left and pointed to me and said "Jim Allen, over there"! And, I commented on the paragraph which included Matt 6:19 about not storing up things on the earth, where moth and rust consume, but storing up treasures in heaven. I don't know how he knew my name, but he did...and I will never forget that!  An amazing brother and long time friend!

Dear brother Weldon was a source of encouragement to all of us who were starting to serve in the field of English in Mexico by 2008. He visited groups and congregations in Apizaco, in Puebla and other places. His enthusiasm was contagious and and his zeal for the truth outstanding. We learned a lot from him and we always kept thinking about him. He remembered details of his visit to Mexico long time after having gone back to California. He really touched my heart. 

He would always talk in his emails about how beautiful his place was and how much he enjoyed setting up the table at the university and the good experiences he had preaching everybody, giving studies in chinese though not speaking it and so many really good things he had to share. We really miss him.
He is resting now but we will have him back soon in the resurrection! 

In 2012, a brother, a mutual friend drove me from Burbank, California, to Santa Barbara to visit a brother 'that everyone knows'. I heard this brother also had return visits who speak Chinese Mandarin and asked me to come along with him to these calls. That was how I was introduced to our brother Weldon Howse. Weldon's down to earth manner in talking to his return visits, his friendly and caring manner really made a deep impression on me. Also, his undampened zeal and determination for preaching the good news to people of all nations. (Mt 24:14)

During the time that br. Howse served at Brooklyn Bethel, he met a sister from New Zealand who graduated from Gilead. This sister later served in the neighbouring congregation to mine in Wellington, New Zealand, faithfully for many years. But to see her graduation photo in Weldon's house, thousands of miles away from New Zealand, really impressed on me what an amazing brotherhood we have! It is truly a small world in the truth!

Br. Howse ran to the end, but he will stand up for his lot, in Paradise, at the end of the days. (Da. 12:13)

Rest, my brother, and until we meet again.  

By 2008 he visited us in the State of Tlaxcala in the city of Apizaco, Mexico, when we were starting a little group in English. I could preach with him and learned a lot from him.
He will be missed but he is now in the safest place ever, Jehovah´s memory.

Our family got to know Weldon back in the late 60's.  He had made friends with an elderly sister, Kathleen Nutter, in our congregation in Irving, Texas.  Her husband who was not a witness and was a very influential businessman in the Dallas area had passed away.  Weldon agreed to speak at his graveside service.  He was being buried in a cemetary adjacent to his home.  There were towering oak trees everywhere.  There was a large crowd including many of the most influential business people in town.  As he began the service, he boomed out in a loud voice, "Lundy Nutter is NOT in heaven!"  He paused for what seemed like an eternity.  He then said in a much quieter voice, "Neither is he in hell."  The silence was deafening and he certainly had everyone's attention.  I would imagine there were many there who have never forgotten it.  I know we never have.

I moved to Ventura in 1980 and met Weldon in the congregation. We attended the daytime bookstudy and I was the youngest at 23 yrs. old. Weldon amazed me at his ability to witness to anybody he met. He would always tell us some exciting new story of someone he met and witnessed to at the store, gas station, picking up a hitchhiker, while walking at the beach, and every other possible location! I think the motto he lived by was "if it moves, witness to it!"
I moved to NC in 1982 and lost touch with him until 2013 when we resumed emailing each other.
I always enjoyed his very encouraging emails filled with his experiences and the experiences of the friends around the world.
He is in my opinion, the definition of a zealous witness. I look forward to the day when we can meet again and start studying with all the resurrected ones!
May his example motivate all of us who have the privilege to serve Jehovah be as zealous as he was.
His good works will be cherished until we meet him again... 

what I will remember are the many dinner parties, and you never knew who would be there... branch overseers, a new return visit, a brother he had known for  many many years through corespondance and had come out to finally meet there dear friend Weldon in person... and every party would end the same way... the circle. 
Weldon would have the group gather in a circle, and usually he would start out sharing a recent experience he had just been sent... then he would go around the circle asking each person, how they learned the truth or a recent experience.   I have heard many many encouraging experiences through out the years...