Steven Russell Welker, 73, of San Tan Valley, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at his home, with his wife by his side.

Steve, a retired Director of the Labor Department for the State of Arizona, was born on June 16, 1951 in Bremerton, WA to Sherman Russell and Mary Lou (Calkins) Welker. 

He grew up in Prineville, OR. Following high school he worked for the forest service, then, joined the Coast Guard. Following his service in the Coast Guard, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Indiana Michigan Mission.

Following his missionary service, he began his work as an investigator for Pinkerton Investigations. He also worked as a golf professional. He moved to Arizona in 2008 and began working for The Industrial Commission, as an investigator. He advanced to be the Director of the Labor Department and served until his retirement in 2019.

His passion was golf. But following his marriage to Melissa, he learned to enjoy traveling and they went many, many places together. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Melissa Ann Welker of San Tan Valley; his children, Eric Welker of Eugene, OR; Erin Baxter of Salem, OR: Tracy Derowitsch of Colorado Springs, CO; Stuart Welker of Portland, OR and 8 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 9:00AM, Saturday, September 7, 2024 with funeral services to follow at 11:00AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 33794 N. Gary Rd., San Tan Valley, AZ 85144.

Concluding services are private.