" Donald Lee Wellen, beloved husband, father and friend, passed away at the age of 74 on 23 March 2021, peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Donna, by his side.
Born 16 December 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the son of the late Robert Wellen and the late Norma Briggle. He is survived by his wife, Donna Lynne Wellen, formerly of Holmdel, New Jersey, whom he married on 14 June 2002; daughter, Karen E. Thoden, of Warrenton, VA, and her children, Brandon Michael, Ryan Casey and Dezerae Leanne; his son, Christopher T. Wellen of Palmyra, VA, and his wife Michaela Chittick; his siblings: sister Denise Gannon and niece Scout Gannon of Tucson, AZ; brother Casey Gannon, nieces Lindsay Hamilton, Kyndal Gannon and Torey Gannon of Chandler, AZ; sister Meegan Gannon Jefferson, brother in-law Trey Jefferson, nephew Justin Rade, niece Rachel Young, nephew Corbin Gannon of Tucson, AZ; sister Lori James of Tucson, AZ and preceded in death by his sister Stephanie Gannon.
Don has over 40 years of progressive Army and Army National Guard experience, leadership and responsibility in many areas such as logistics, training, force structure development, to name just a few. As a US Army enlisted soldier, Don fought Vietnam. He obtained two (2) master’s degrees and was quickly promoted to officer. Don retired as a Colonel of the US Army and Army National Guard. As Principal and Sole Owner of his defense consulting firm, Don Wellen & Associates (DWA) for over 26 years, he provided Federal, State and Municipal support. Don was active in numerous volunteer and civic activities in and around the Northern Virginia area. He and his wife recently moved from the Northern Virginia area to Fredericksburg, VA. After retiring, Don decided he wanted to become a Realtor, which he found extremely rewarding, working with Re/MAX 100/Springfield.
As a young man, Don enjoyed his time in Arizona, riding horses, wrangling cattle, and working the ranch. He also served as an assistant troop leader for his daughter’s Girl Scout troop. He taught the girls the ways of camping from his military knowledge. He and his wife, Donna, enjoyed an adventurous life: traveling, scuba and sky diving, riding motorcycles, dancing, boating and his favorite - to host and dress up for his Halloween parties.
During Don’s time with Rotary International, he recently was District 7610 Executive Director. He was a long-time member of the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club and a fixture at District 7610 functions and events. He was Past President of his home Rotary Club, a former Area Governor, head of Disaster Relief within District 7610 and a former Rotarian of the Year. However, what most will remember Don from is his amazing ability to run District Conferences. In the past decade, he ran seven of them and worked for numerous District Governors. Countless programs that have become staples at Rotary events are the result of Don’s efforts. One always had a good time at a Don Wellen event.
Don was a Master Mason and was a member of the Arlington Centennial Glebe Masonic Lodge (ACGL #81) in Falls Church, VA. He served as both Secretary and Treasurer, mentoring many Masons along the way to include his son Christopher.
Don was also a Shriner with the Kena Shrine, Fairfax, VA and valued his time and service in that regard. He was a proud member of the Kena Yacht Club.
Don will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery later this year.
EDUCATION
1992: M.A., Human Resource Development, Webster University
1987: U.S. Army War College
1978-1979: 30 hours toward Master of Science in Public Administration, University of Missouri 1974: B.A., Business Administration, Columbia College
1988: Graduate of National Guard 18-Week Organization Development Consultant Course SSI Certified Scuba Diver
Certified to administer: The Human Element (FIRO), Situational Leadership, and New Patterns of Influence (NLP) workshops and instruments
Qualified Contracting Officers Representative (COR)
CIVILIAN ASSOCIATIONS
Association of the US Army, Life Member
American Defense Preparedness Association – Member
National Guard Association of the United States – Life Member
Missouri National Guard Association – Member (Past Treasurer)
National Guard Bureau Alumni Association – Life Member (Past President for Two (2) Terms) Rotary International – Assistant Governor and Lt. Governor, District 7610; Past President, Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club; Chairman, Districts 7610/7620 Pentagon Disaster Relief Fund; 2004 Rotarian of the Year Master Mason, AGCL #81
Shriner, Kena Temple, Fairfax, VA "