Harold R. Welker

Harold Ray Welker, age 93, of Lamar died Tuesday August 28, 2012 at his home. Harold was born October 27, 1918 to SE and Joan Welker near Sheldon, Mo.  He lived on a farm until age 18 and on March 11, 1937, enlisted in the US Army 17th infantry at Ft. Leavenworth, KS.  He was discharged on March 11, 1940 and then reenlisted to 3rd Reconnaissance troop, 3rd division Ft. Lewis, WA in August, 1940.  He was transferred back to Ft. Leavenworth in 1941 to US Disciplinary Barracks as a guard (USDB) and served until 1943.  He then was transferred to Ft. Warren, WY, where he trained as a heavy truck driver before going to the European Theater of Operations in 1944. Harold was a Cpl and received a sharp shooter metal.  He went through four major campaigns, namely; Northern France, Central Europe, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) and Rhineland.  He was discharged  October 28, 1945 at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, MO.  He retired from Ford Motor Co. after 35 years at Lansdale, PA.  He was a member of Lamar First Christian Church and Lamar VFW Post 3691. On May 4, 1946, Harold was married to Grace Euler at Parsons, KS.  They were married 54 years until her passing on April 4, 2000.  Harold's son, Lewis Ray Welker, was born in Parsons, KS. They also had two daughters, Gracie & Evelyn, born in Lansdale, PA, who died in infancy.  He married Sally Kay Collins in Shrewsberry, PA on September 6, 2003. Harold loved to read and study the Bible and had memorized many verses.  He spent countless hours in prayer and meditation each day.  By God's great grace and mercy he hopes to see you on the other side.  He is survived by a sister, Dorothy Woody of Independence, MO; one son, Lewis and wife Florence Welker of Perkasie, PA; six grandchildren; one step son, David Myers and wife Amy of Mesa, AZ; two step daughters, Tammy Bisbe and husband Ron of Carthage, MO and Leila Fisher and husband Todd from Gentry, AR; 11 step grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; 2 four-legged friends, Whitey and Muffy and his best friend, Malcom.  He was preceded in death by his wife Grace Welker; two infant daughters, Gracie and Evelyn; five brothers and three sisters. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Thursday August 30,2012 at Daniel Funeral Home with minister Rob Wilson officiating. Burial with full military honors will be conducted at St. James Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions are suggested to Lamar VFW Post 3691 in care of Daniel Funeral Home.