Donald Neal Welborn

Donald Neal Welborn passed from this earth to heaven on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the age of 87.

He was born January 7, 1937, in Oak Hill, West Virginia, the son of the late Dora Shepherd Welborn and Rex Welborn.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kayla Kerbs Welborn, a son, Donald Burton Welborn, a granddaughter, Emily Gail Welborn, a sister Barbara Riffle, a niece Roxanne Platt (Marshall), and a nephew Daniel Paul Scarola. He was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard.

Don attended Collins High School in Oak Hill. His senior year in high school he directed the senior choir every Friday. He graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Dayton, Virginia. Don shared his love of music with every one he met.

After six months as Minister of Music at Central Methodist Church in Canton, NC, he was drafted and went into the Air Force. After basic training at Lackland in Texas, he auditioned and became soloist with the Strategic Air Command Band in Bellevue, Nebraska. Shortly after Don became director of the Strategic Air Command Chorus. For four years he directed the Chorus in the US, Europe, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

While in the Air Force Don directed the rehearsal and Sunday choir when he was in town at St. James Methodist Church in Bellevue, Nebraska. After four years in the Air Force, Don went to Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated with a Master of Sacred Music Degree in 1969. While in Seminary, Don served as Minister of Music at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville.

In 1969 Don became Minister of Music at Calvary Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, where he served for 43 years. He shared his love of music with the congregation, childrens’ choir, youth choir, adult choir, handbell choir, small group singers, and at workshops in Western North Carolina. He also led many programs and music presentations at Calvary Church. Don enjoyed teaching voice lessons to anyone who wanted them.

He served a year as state president of North Carolina’s Baptist Music Department, and he sang as a member of The Singing Churchmen. Don enjoyed teaching a Sunday School class where they studied each of the books of the Old and New Testaments.

After retiring from Calvary Church, Don served a year as Minister of Music at Buckeye Baptist Church in Swannanoa, NC

Before each of the music presentations, Don would say to the singers, “This is for The Master.” Don’s love of the Lord and his love of music will be greatly missed.

Our family appreciated the care Don received from the Veterans’ Home, Veterans’ Hospital, and their Home based primary care.

Our family wants to thank Pastor Rendell Hipps, the congregation of Calvary Church, Groce Funeral Home, and other dear friends for their loving support and contributions to the memorial service and many other kindnesses in remembrance of our precious Don “Mr D.”

The Celebration of Rev. Welborn’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, at Calvary Church. His family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.