Final Salute

Paul Jacob Welker, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, at Hillcrest Hospital with his wife and children at his side following a brief illness.

He was born to Paul Mason and Anna (nee Spotts) Welker on Feb. 6, 1938, in Mill Hall, Pa., where he lived until he joined the Navy in 1956. He became a Seabee serving in Guam; he took great pride in his service.

Paul learned to love big trucks and construction during his service, and he became a certified mechanic, equipment operator and constructor. He moved to Ohio after he left the service and worked as an over the road trucker. He owned several construction companies and finished his career at North Point Realty.

Paul spent 43 years in Lake County before moving to Geauga County and settling in Chester Township.

He met and married Victoria Fisher later in life, spending 15 years of marriage together rarely leaving each other’s side. They loved to travel, especially taking gambling trips and spending time with the family, friends and neighbors.

He is survived by wife, Victoria (nee Fisher) Welker; daughters, Lisa (James) Shields, Cynthia (Edward) Kriz; step-daughter, Frances (Stephen) Molek; grandchildren, Joshua, Jenny, Julia, Kyle, Jamie, Jesse, Melody, Katherine, Isaac, Edward and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Colt, CC, LouElla, Kyle, Theodore, Caden, Liam and Emmett; and sister, Peggy (Robert) Elder.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James, Charles, Kenneth; and sister-in-law, Ila Welker.

Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, with the memorial service at 1 p.m.

As Paul was a lover of all creatures, from kittens to raccoons to anything that needed saving, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Geauga County Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072.

Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.