Harold Kenneth Welker

Harold K. Welker, 93, of Vermilion, died Friday, December 5, 2008 at St. Thomas Hospital, Akron after a 1 week illness. He was born July 27, 1915 in Birds Run, Ohio. He graduated from Plainfield (Linton Twp) High School in 1933. He received a B.S. in Education with Distinction at Ohio University in 1940 and Masters in Education at Kent State University in 1966. He also attended the University of Kentucky, Ohio State and Ohio Northern. He received a Freedoms Foundation Grant for study in Valley Forge, PA sponsored by Samson University. He served during World War II in the United States Army Air Force from 1942 to 1945. He was a charter member of the Air Force Association. He taught for 39 years at Plainfield and White Eyes Schools in Coshocton County; East Carlisle and Henrietta Schools in Lorain County and in Vermilion from 1946 to retirement in 1974. He was head of the Vermilion High School Social Studies Department at retirement. His students won two Freedoms Foundation Awards. He started Welker's Mowing Service in 1958 and employed many VHS students during the summers for 25 years. He served 12 years on the Vermilion Local Board of Education from 1979 to 1991 and the Vermilion Township Zoning Commission. He was a member of the Erie County and State Retired Teachers Association. He served as Republican Precinct Committeeman in Mitiwanga, and served on the Erie County Central Committee. He worked at the polls for many years. He had a great interest in students continuing education and established the Harold and Sarah Welker Teaching Grant for Erie County students attending Ohio University and majoring in education. He often continued to help the recipients himself. He is survived by daughter, Nancy L. Welker, Stow and James H. Welker, Huron; grandchildren, Joshua Daniel Ruttig, Nathaniel Jacob Ruttig, Joel Emery Ruttig, and Cory James Welker; a great grandchild, Sarah Maria Ruttig; and his brother Francis W. Welker, Mt. Dora, FL. Preceding him in death were his wife, Sarah Welker, September 1, 2007 ; his parents, Evert E. and Leola Mae (nee Cornelius) Welker; and a brother Evert E. Welker. Friends may call Sunday, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Matthew Humphrey, Life Celebrant, will officiate. Entombment will follow in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com..