William “Bill” R. Welch, 80, of Indiana, passed away Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at his home, in the arms of his beloved wife, surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregivers. He will remain in everyone’s hearts as a kind, loving, impatient, quick-witted man who never met a stranger or left anyone without a smile.
Bill was born in Indiana and spent his childhood growing up in Creekside. He was the 4th of five children born to Leonard and Louise (Barr) Welch. Bill was known to be quite a rascal as a child, with his younger sister Pam and her pets often being the targets of his mischief. Marion Center High school was his alma mater, where he reconnected and began dating his beloved wife, Joyce Dilts. They attended Bill’s senior prom and were inseparable from that day forward. Bill and Joyce married on August 21, 1965 at Center Presbyterian Church in Creekside. Their wedding song “Angel Baby” continued to be their favorite song and they could be found dancing to it often.
From 1962 to 1968, he served as a PVT E-1 with the Army National Guard. He was a lifetime member and past Exalted Ruler of BPOE Lodge 931, Indiana. Bill was a master carpenter and enjoyed making furniture for loved ones and remodeling their home, to Joyce’s specifications. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time in his workshop, took pride in his lawn and landscaping, he loved to cruise with Joyce and his family, watching football (especially the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins) and drinking a cold one. His greatest joy was the family that he and Joyce created. He attended every dance, concert, recital, graduation and everything in between. Bill loved attending the family weddings and reunions, when everyone was together. Family meant everything to him.
Bill spent most of his professional life working for Penelec. He began his tenure at Keystone Station and later transferred to Homer City Generating Station, where he retired after 33 years as a coal handling supervisor. Bill was able to take an early retirement at age 55. He spent his retirement years thrifting for electronics to rebuild, finding the latest gadgets and being the best “Becky Homecky” for Joyce. Gunsmoke was a favorite show and he took great pride in recording every episode in order. He enjoyed making his famous pizzelles and delivering baked goods to Joyce and her coworkers. He was able to spend extensive time with his children and grandchildren, whom he cherished. Their home was known throughout the neighborhood as the house to visit on Halloween. He and Joyce took great pride in dressing up in elaborate costumes, decorating their home and handing out the best treats on the block. Bill and Joyce retired to Florida for a few years and enjoyed their time in The Villages, making memories with fellow retirees. They ultimately moved back to Indiana in 2020 to be closer to family for their final years.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife Joyce (Dilts) Welch, of Indiana; his three beloved daughters: Tracey Welch, of Indiana; Michelle Chaustit and husband Dan of Perry Hall, MD and Stephanie Nolan of Indiana. His cherished siblings: Joan (Welch) McCreary and husband Harry; Harold Welch and Mary (Miller) and Pam (Welch) Stetter, all residing in Florida. He is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren: Jonathan Robbins and wife Erin, Chelsea Weaver and husband Austin, Sydney Rummel, Cole Chaustit, Jack Chaustit, MacKenzie Nolan, his great-granddaughter, Lumis Robbins; and his ornery cat, Billy Ray.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sally (Welch) Shaffer and husband Gene; and a brother-in-law, Frank Stetter.
The family sends a heartfelt thank you to the special caregiving team fondly known as Bill’s Girl Gang: Tiffany Harris, Dainya Romagna, Kaidance Thomas and Angela Gromely, who became a permanent part of the family.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 at Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 36 N 7th Street, Indiana, where the B.P.O.E. Lodge 931 officers will conduct a service. The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. with Pastor Jack Lucas officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to the home office of the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago,IL 60601 or alz.org.
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