Sidney Wellborn

Sidney N. Wellborn Jr., age 83, of Monroe, MI passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe. Sid was born May 11, 1925, in New Orleans, LA, the son of the late Sidney N. and Elizabeth (Clay) Wellborn. Raised in Arlington, VA, Sid served his country proudly in the US Navy during WWII from August 9, 1943 to April 9, 1946. Sid served as a submariner aboard the USS Bergall. For his patriotism, Sid received the following: the Submarine Combat Insignia and 2 stars, the American Theater Medal, WW II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 stars. After service Sid attended the University of Alabama where he received a bachelors degree in Commerce and Business Administration in 1949. He then attended the University of Auburn to study engineering. In 1957, Sid married his beloved wife, the former Eleanor Otte, in Coloma, MI. The couple moved to Monroe in 1962 where Sid became the VP of Engineering at Michigan Gas Utilities. Sid was promoted to President in 1975 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1983. Sid attended Rapha Christian Center where he served as a Deacon. Sid served on the board of both First of America Bank and Security Bank, and was the 1st elected chairman of the Mercy Memorial Hospital Foundation. He also served on the Salvation Army Board for over 30 years and was the past president of the Monroe County Building Authority. Sid enjoyed golfing and was a former member of the Monroe Golf & CC. Sid also enjoyed working in his yard and taking family vacations on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Sid is survived by his bride Eleanor, 4 loving children; Sidney Wellborn III of Los Angeles, CA, Michael (Lynn) Wellborn of San Diego, CA, Rebecca (Terry) Dennis of Tampa, FL and Priscilla (Karl) Stegenga of Falls Church, VA and 4 cherished grandchildren; Christian, Rachel, Lindsey, and Evan. In addition to his parents, Sid was preceded in death by 2 brothers and a sister. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Rapha Christian Center, 11166 S. Dixie Hwy, Erie, MI. Memorial contributions may be given to Rapha Christian Center, Mercy Memorial Hospital or the Salvation Army.