Obituaries

Gene Welker

January 3rd, 1940 – June 16th, 2015

Don Eugene "Gene" Welker, age 75 of Lewistown, IL, passed away at 12:42 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. He was born on January 3, 1940 in Bernadotte, IL, a son of Don and Jeanette (Angelo) Welker. Gene married Sandra Easley on September 16, 1962 in Lewistown, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his two sons, Barton (and Julia) Welker and Scott (and Lisa) Welker, both of Lewistown, six grandchildren; Brodie Welker, Jennifer Welker, Josie Welker, Caitlyn (and Jake) Holmes, Ryan Welker, and Taryn Welker, his brother Norman (and Virginia) Welker of Macomb, IL and his sister Jane (and Jim) Nappin of Lewistown.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a Marine Corps veteran, serving from 1958-1962 with a rank of Corporal.

He was a member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church and the Lewistown American Legion Post #1.

Gene worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 30 years, retiring in 1996 as a Dispatcher. He then was an over the road truck driver.

He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's activities and enjoyed visiting with the local farmers.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 10 AM at the Lewistown United Methodist Church. Pastor Deryck Sonaram will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19 from 5-7 pm at the church. Interment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with military rites provided by the Lewistown American Legion and Lewistown VFW.

Condolences

June 17th, 2015

Sandra and Family
Sorry to hear Gene passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Warren and Linda Howe

June 17th, 2015

Sandy, so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. We think of you and wonder if you still live out by where we used to. Take care and enjoy those grandchildren. Helen and Roger Riley

June 17th, 2015

Sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Don for a number of years in the transportation dept. at Caterpillar for a long time. Have some good memories with him. Also knew Scott through farming. Our condolences are with the family. We will keep his family in our prayers. Sincerely, Denton & Deb Penn. 1126 Skyaire Drive. Green Valley, Il. 61534

June 18th, 2015

Col. Welker and family- my deepest & sincerest condolences for you loss of your beloved family member & father. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on in our great and precious memories. Our Thoughts and prayer are with you all. Capt. Aaron Boyles & Family.

June 18th, 2015

Our sincere sympathy to Gene's entire family. A great man and friend. He would do anything for you. I shall miss the talks I had with Gene and his helping hands. Alvin and Lorenda Spilker

June 18th, 2015

To the Welker family - So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a good man. I will never forget, when my husband was so sick, he and two other neighbors came and mowed our yard. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Jennifer McCombs & Lester Miller

June 18th, 2015

On behalf of the Marine Corps League Detachment 81 in Peoria, Illinois please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences on your loss. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fidelis

June 19th, 2015

Sandra&family, Sorry to hear of Gene's passing. Our thoughts are very much with you. God be with you, guide you and comfort you at this difficult time.Norma&Shelby Lightle

June 20th, 2015

Bart & Scott, I am saddened to hear of Gene's passing. Please find comfort in pleasant memories for in those memories he is never really far away. Craig Miller & Family