Merritt "Tom" Eugene Weldin

Merritt Eugene "Tom" Weldin, 81, of Kimberly, Idaho, and formerly of Union and Burley, Idaho, died of a heart attack July 1 at St. Luke's Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Merritt was born on April 25, 1929, in White Owl, S.D. He is the son of Fredrick Weldon and Maude (McGlin) Weldin.

Merritt lived a hard life, his jobs included, working for the railroad, working the salmon traps in Alaska and heavy construction. He served in the U.S. military in World War II, serving in the Philippines as a supply clerk. He was married for a time and later divorced. Merritt married Thelma N. Durfee, and he helped raise her two sons, Randy and Danny as his own sons.

Merritt is survived by his wife, Thelma Weldin of Kimberly; several sisters-in-law, (his wife's family), Nona (Durfee) Drusse (Jay) of Burley; Wanda (Durfee) Coffman (Leland) of Rupert; brothers-in-law, Cliff (Ruth) Durfee; Lonnie Durfee, Dean (Ann) Durfee, Dennie (Mary) Durfee all of Washington, Eldon L. (Rowene) Durfee of Burley, Bill (Elberta) Durfee of Declo; and his sister, Hallie Stuckey, of Boise; his sister-in-law, Gertie Weldin, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his two sons, Randy Gene Durfee and Danny Higenbothum, his grandson, Johnny Durfee and his brothers and sisters.

At the time of his death Merritt resided at Oak Creek Rehabilitation Center in Kimberly, Idaho, where he was cared for Alzheimer's disease. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him, family members said.

A family viewing and memorial will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Hansen Mortuary Burley Chapel, 321 E. Main St., Burley, Idaho. A family burial will take place in John Day. Services are under the direction of White Mortuary, Chapel by the Park, Twin Falls.

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