Weldon W. Bolt Family - Family Histories

     Weldon W. Boldt and Iva Dell Bower of Graham were married during World War II, October 21, 1944, in San Diego, California. To this union was born Linda Sue, March 14. 1946, and Gail Lynette, July 17, 1948, in Graham. After working for Schlumberger Well Surveying Corp. in Graham and attending Southern Methodist University and working in the Division Office in Dallas, he was transferred to Coleman, September 3, 1953, as electrical engineer. After deciding they liked Coleman well enough to make it their permanent home to rear their children, they turned down a transter to Ft. Worth. After 15 years with Schlumberger, they purchased the Coleman Steam Laundry and Linen Rental Service from Bill McHorse. The laundry was built in 1905 by 11 men putting up $500.00 each. Some of the original equipment is still in use. After 20 years. the laundry was sold while he devoted his time to the oil business as an independent operator.

     Weldon served one year in the U. S. Army (September, 1938 to October, 1939) before joining the U.S. Marine Corps from December 21, 1941-December 21, 1945, serving in Cuba, Panama Canal, Hawaii, and the South Pacific. Weldon's father, Arch H. Boldt, was born in Brady, September 21, 1894, and died in Grand Prairie, April 26, 1968. His mother, Cleda Smith, was born in Frederick, Oklahoma, and burned to death in Borger, March, 1931. He has one brother, Clarence Edwin, born November 22, 1918. His stepmother, Faye Boldt, of Grand Prairie, is 75 and on a soft ball team. Weldon is a member of the American Associated Petroleum Geologist, Abilene Geological Society, Director of Texas Laundry & Dry Cleaning Assoc., has served on the School Board 3 years (2 as President), Director of the Chamber of Commerce, President of First Baptist Church Brotherhood 3 years, President of Coleman Co. Brotherhood Association years, and served on the Executive Board of the 16th District 3 years, member of the Exchange Club 12 years (President 3 of those years), State Director of District IlI Exchange Club.

     Iva Dell has served as 4-H Leader and on Hospital Auxillary. She is active in the First Baptist Church, serving as pastor's secretary 2 years, Sunday School teacher for 31 years, and on various committees throughout the years. She was the youngest daughter of Louis C. (born January 15, 1882 - died January 31, 1956) and Katie May (Long) Bower (born July 7, 1881-died March 28, 1958). After graduating from Graham High School, Iva attended Tyler Commercial College. She was a court reporter. secretary and accountant in Graham, and during World War II, she was secretary to the head of one of the departments of Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego, California, while her husband was in the Marine Corp.

     Linda attended Hardin-Simmons University and graduated from Dallas Fashion and Merchandising College. On July, 1966, she married Philip Harrison Boatright, son of Hardy Boatright (see Boatright). Philip graduated from Cisco Junior College and Sam Houston State University and taught in Humble High School and coached football and basketball for 10 years. He is now in several business ventures in Humble. Linda did window displays in Houston and was business manager for one of their enterprises. They are the parents of Suzzane Denise, 16, and Amy Lynn, 10, and all are active in school and church activities in Humble.

     Gail attended Howard Pane University and Nixon-Clav Business College, Austin. She married Joe D. Burkett, son of C. C. Burkett (see John Henry Burkett). She was secretary and counselor at Texas Tech and the University of Texas: she was also in real estate in Lubbock. Joe graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Pharmacy in 1969, one year after they were married. He was a pharmacist in Dallas and Lubbock tor 10 years and is now employed by Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Co. in Edmond. Oklahoma.

     Much fun and happy times have been experienced when the "clan" gets together. One of the Boldt's most treasured memories was a trip to Sydney and Perth, Australia, via Auckland, New Zealand and Honolulu, Hawaii. Their daughters and their families got to accompany them on this trip over the Christmas holidays in December, 1981. Their foreign friends were overwhelmed when all ten deplaned - with their western regalia, Texas drawls and twenty-nine pieces of luggage!

pictures to be added

Jennifer and Jeffrey Burkett, Amy and Suzzane Boatright [front]; Gail Burkett and Linda Boatright [center); Joe Burkett, Iva Dell and Weldon Boldt, and Philip Boatright rear,