Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information

James Welch Obituary
Columbus Grove, Ohio James W. Welch, 86, died at 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Birchaven Heights, Findlay, Ohio. He was born on November 21, 1928, in Miller City, Ohio to the late Michael and Retta (Cutchall) Welch. On August 6, 1955, he married Doris Troyer, who survives. Mr. Welch attended Ottawa Public Schools. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Pusan, South Korea. Jim received a Bronze Star during his service. He was a member of the Hancock County Korean War Veterans # 172, and a life member of the Columbus Grove VFW, Post #9648. Jim was an Independent Distributor for 43 years with Marathon Oil Company. He was a member for over 50 years of the Masonic Lodge #325, Ottawa, being a 32nd Degree. He was a longtime member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Columbus Grove. Survivors include one son: Tim (Jamie) Welch, Bluffton; two daughters: Stephanie (Dan) Lippiatt, Tipp City and Michelle (Brian) Smith, Van Buren; and four grandchildren: Erin, Cori, Ryleigh and Taylor. He was preceded in death by six sisters and five brothers. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015, at St. John's United Methodist Church, Columbus Grove, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Pastor Gary Ginter will be officiating. Burial will follow in Harman Cemetery, Gilboa, Ohio. Friends may call on Thursday, May 28, 2015, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove where the Masonic Lodge #325 Ottawa will have a service following visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Korean War Vets #172 Scholarship Program, c/o Rose of Sharon College Scholarship Program or to St. John's United Methodist Church, Columbus Grove, Ohio. Online condolences maybe expressed at hartmansonsfuneralhome.com.

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