Welton Barnes Priest,

Welton Barnes Priest, Jr., was born April 21, 1922 and passed away on May 13, 2007. Devoted husband and father, preceded in death by his father; Welton Barnes Priest, Sr.; mother; Fannie Priest; sisters; Bonnie Henderson, Fan Lonberger; and brother, Robin Priest. Welton served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 - 1945 during World War II.He was the youngest elected Treasurer of Falls County, Texas. Welton was employed in banking and finance for twenty years and served in law enforcement for fifteen years. He married Ruth Smith on February 1, 1952. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Priest; brother, Bill Priest and wife Carolyn; daughters; Cindy Whitaker and Donnie Whitaker; Shelly Smith and husband Randy; Carol Witt and husband Dennis; grandchildren: Travis, Zachary, and Megan Whitaker; Beau Smith and wife, Misty; Tiffany Smith; Shane and Chelsey Witt as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 19, 2007 at New Hope Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 on Friday, May 18, 2007 at the funeral home.