William Wellons

If you knew Nolan, you know he was kind-hearted, cared about other people and had a witty, fun sense of humor. He was an avid walker and never turned down a cookie! He passed away January 22, 2016 at Summitview Healthcare Center. Nolan was born April 18, 1922 in Yakima to William and Mary Wellons by a midwife in his parents’ bedroom. His mother knew Nolan was special and always put up with his antics with a smile and her favorite words for him, “Behave yourself, Nolan.” After his dad died he looked after her all the rest of her life. He graduated from Yakima High School and enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II as an aerial radio operator and turret gunner on a B-24. He flew 35 combat missions in Europe and North Africa and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. After almost dying of yellow fever, he received an honorable discharge and returned to Yakima. His dad decided he should meet the pretty lady next door so he gave her Nolan’s car keys and told her to pretend she found them. It worked! He fell in love with LaVonne Hammer and they were married for 56 years until her death in 2000. Nolan worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. When he retired, he and LaVonne enjoyed living in Cliffdell, as well as traveling south in the winter to Lake Havasu City. They enjoyed each other’s company and did everything together. Nolan was known to actively pursue home improvement projects and loved building things all his life. Survivors are daughter Theo Thomas and husband JT (John) of Yakima; son Robert Wellons and wife Alice of Centralia; grandson Joe Wellons of Bellingham; grandson Eric Wellons and wife Ashley plus great grandson Tanner Wellons of Franklin, Tenn. Also surviving him is his loving companion Shirley Derrick. Nolan was preceded in death by his parents, his wife LaVonne and his four brothers, Walter, Donald, Sperry and Leland. At his request there will be no services. The family is grateful to the Living Care Retirement Community where Dad spent his last years. Valley Hills Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Wellons, please visit our flower store.