Welden Tenney 1932 – 2024

Bud was born Welden Edward Tenney, on March 20, 1932, in Pickens, W.Va. He was the eldest son of Dorse Tenney and Delsie Helmick Tenney.

After some problems with his father, as an infant, he was sent to live with his grandparents, Doney F. Tenney and Belle L. Tenney. When his grandfather became ill and unable to take care of the farm, Bud left school to help his grandmother with everything.

In 1952, he joined the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War. He ended in Okinawa. While in the Army, he did most of the maintenance on the vehicles. He also ended up getting frostbite while serving. After his service, he returned home to West Virginia.

Prior to joining the service, his sister introduced him to Betty Amick in 1949 and they later married. During their time together, they spent all their summers at the drag strip. My mom raced for a long time, but my dad raced over 50 years. He had bought an AMC Javelin to drive to work and back. It was a loud and fast street car. My mother knew what his intentions were. This car ended up being his last racecar — Speedy — his last race being in the year 2004. Quaker City Motor Sports Park started a Hall of Fame at the track and Bud’s name is first on the list.

Bud worked several jobs so Betty could stay at home with the children. He was that kind of man. He also worked and got his GED and went to school to earn his doctor of motors certification. He worked several jobs over his years of employment. At one time, he had his own coal trucking company. After moving to Boardman with his family, he worked daytime at Schwebel Baking Company and part-time at Utsinger’s Towing. He finally retired from Schwebel’s, yet still helped out at Utsinger’s.

He was always willing to help anyone: family, friends, neighbors, racing buddies. He would do this even if he really wasn’t able. He let some of our relatives live with us when they were down on their luck. It made our home a little crowded, but he wanted to help. He worked on all the neighbor’s cars. Bud would have given the shirt off his back if it was necessary. He was known by many and loved by everyone.

Bud will be deeply missed by his daughters, Barb (John) Zagotti and Phyllis (Joe Edwards) Beharry. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Raven Beharry, Rebecca Beharry, Nicole Bable, KC Bable (Nic Deal) and Christopher Pregi. He will be missed by his great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Bable and Nico Deal.

Bud was preceded in death by his siblings, Louise Long, Alvin Tenney and Dale Tenney. His parents and grandparents also preceded him. He will be met in Heaven by his wife, Betty; his son, Michael; and his daughter, Tammy Bable.

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by full military honors at Green Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, provided by the great men of VFW Post 9571 of Ellsworth.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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