Weldon Eugene Allen

1929 - 2020

On Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, Weldon Eugene Allen, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Sonora, California, at the age of 91.

Weldon was born on May 13, 1929, at a ranch in the south plains of Texas near Amarillo to William and Linda Zodeen Allen. At 17, he joined the military, stationed at naval air bases in Jacksonville and Memphis, as an aviation metalsmith. On Aug. 16, 1951, he married Joan Arlene Barrett whom he adored for nearly 70 years. They settled down in San Leandro California, where they raised their two daughters, Carol and Donna. In 1982, Weldon started his own aircraft maintenance and repair business at the Oakland Airport, moving it to the Calaveras County Airport in 1991 when he “retired.”

He was dedicated to God, his family, and his church, and over the years mentored countless young people who were drawn to him because of his calm demeanor. Weldon was very well-respected not only in his community, but also in his industry — aircraft was his passion. In 1958, while working for Hiller Helicopter in Palo Alto, Weldon helped build the first tiltwing transport – an early helicopter. Over the years, he built a range of airplanes, taught crews of pilots to be aviation mechanics, was frequently called as an expert witness, and restored vintage aircraft often fabricating custom parts that were no longer available. As a businessman, it was his policy that a plane not be released to its owner unless he was willing to fly in it himself, which is why his clients flew in from all over the U.S. for him to service their planes. In 1996, Weldon was awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the Federal Aviation Administration for 50 years of service. The need to tinker never allowed Weldon to truly retire, however he enjoyed tending to his massive Koi pond, volunteering at his church, and drinking very hot black coffee.

Weldon was preceded in death by his parents, Linda and William, and siblings, Dan, Jim and Louise. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Carol (Dale) Kiper and Donna (Robert) Kornhauser, five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-granddaughter.

He will be laid to rest at the Columbia Cemetery. Kindly address condolences to 12877 Sylva Lane, Apartment 115, Sonora, CA 95370. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association http://act.alz. org/goto/weldon_allen.