John Robert Wellard passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2025 surrounded by those who loved him.
He was born the second son of six siblings to James (Bob) Wellard and Elizabeth (Betty) Wellard. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1966, and received an Associates degree in Law Enforcement from Idaho State University in 1969.
He married Jeness Kruse in 1969 and moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. From this union, one son was born, John (Rory) Wellard. They divorced in 1974.
He married the real love of his life, Rose Parsons, on October 22, 1976. To this union, one son was born, James (Bobby) Wellard. They lived in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, and Pocatello, Idaho, and he spent the last half of his life living part-time in Ketchikan, Alaska, where he was a Merchant Marine. He loved the pace and peace of life there.
He worked a variety of jobs over his 65-year work life, including working his family’s gas station, a police officer, construction, mining, sales, contracting with the FBI; and in the last half of his life, owning two businesses in Alaska.
John was a lover of God, his family and friends, nature, music, a good western and the ocean. His whole life he fought for the weak and lived his life by a strong moral code. He expected the same of others. He never lived his life in a relentless pursuit of money, choosing instead to make what he needed to live and spending the rest of his life enjoying time with the people he loved and doing the things he loved, often at the same time.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Wellard; his brother, Grant (Terri) Wellard, Aurora, Colorado; Susan (Mike) Kelly, Gig Harbor, Washington; Wade (Veneta) Wellard, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho; his son, John Rory (Lisa) Wellard, Bancroft, Idaho; James Bobby Wellard (Jolene), Pocatello, Idaho; and grandchildren Jade, Elise, Jameson, Silas and Noah.
He was proceeded in death by his father, James (Bob) Wellard; his mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Wellard; his brother, Dwaine Wellard; sister-in-law Gerri Wellard; and sister, Sharon Wellard.
He will always be loved and missed.
When I think of my life
The moments that shine
Are the times that I walked
With your hand holding mine.
In times of great joy,
With hope shiny and bright;
In times of great sadness,
Forced goodbyes, darkest nights.
When the world all around
Burst apart at the seams,
Your hands always strengthened
And protected my dreams.
A celebration of life has been set for Monday, June 30, 2025 at Centennial Park, S Grant Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83201 starting at 5:00 pm.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.
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