Raymond "Tater" Wellard

Raymond Joe "Tater" Wellard, 68, passed away at his home Thursday, February 22, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Ray was born January 7, 1950, to Forrest E. and Grace (Stewart) Wellard in Pocatello, Idaho. He attended Lincoln Elementary, Irving Junior High, and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1969.

Ray married Nelda Grant on January 23, 1971 in Pocatello, Idaho. They had two daughters Ronni and Taylor.

Ray worked as a heavy equipment mechanic until the time of his retirement and then he continued to work for Idaho Rock and Sand. He worked as a mechanic for Patton and Linton, Empire Construction, Washington Mine in Soda Springs, Burgraf Construction. He was the service manager for Lake Shore Equipment and Cate-Idaho Equipment. In 1998 he started his own business R & N Field Repair and contracted out to Gnesa Excavation, Gooding, ID. He later opened a shop on North Main in Pocatello.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, car restoration, camping, ATVing, being with family and friends. He was a member of the Classy Car Club. He raced stock cars and drag racing cars.

Ray is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nelda Wellard of Fort Hall, ID; daughters, Ronni (Rick) Wright of Depoe Bay, OR; Taylor (Rick) Sistrunk of Pocatello, ID; granddaughters, Lexus Sistrunk, Grace Sistrunk, and Audrey Sistrunk; and one sister, Elsie Hencley of Pocatello, ID.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Grace Wellard; sister, Norma Wellard; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Annie Grant; sister & brother-in-law, Mary (Morgan) Hencley; and brother-in-law, Dick Hencley.

Memorial services for Ray will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. A gathering will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8:00 PM and starting again at Noon on Wednesday, both at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.