Duane E. Welch

November 21, 1936 - August 22, 2022

Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

419-645-4501 |

Friday 8/26, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

419-645-4501 |

Friday 8/26, 2:00 pm

Duane E. Welch, age 85 of Wapakoneta, passed at 3:52 a.m., Monday, August 22, 2022 at Cridersville Health Care Center. He was born November 21, 1936 in Bradshaw, Nebraska to the late Harold E. and Erma F. Klawitter Welch. On December 19, 1956 he married Carol C. Smith, who survives.

Mr. Welch retired as a truck driver with Stahler Trucking and attended Mt. Tabor and Salem United Methodist Churches. He loved camping, racing, and going to Limaland and Eldora to cheer on his grandson. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and belonged to the Broken Chains Motorcycle Church Club. His family was his pride and joy. He will be remembered for the love he showed his family and they way he lived his life.

Also surviving are 2 sons – Edward (Penny) Welch of Wapakoneta; Timothy (Kelly) Welch of Wapakoneta; a daughter – Suellen (Jerry) Smith of Wapakoneta; 9 grandchildren – Ben (Danielle) Smith; Amy (TJ) Edwards; TJ Welch; Andy (Brit Giere) Welch; Thomas C. (Kim) Erb; Daniel (Mariah) Jones; Jesse Smith; Drew (Nicole) Erb; Courtney (Michael) Spees; 13 great grandchildren – Owen, Teela, and Luna Smith; Emalyn, Eli, and Everett Edwards; Kaisen and Kaizley Jones; Jeremy and Dustin Smith; Nova Erb; Karsyn and Collins Spees; Godchildren – Kate (Jimmy) Lichtle and Sophia, Anton and Rose; Toby (Jenna) Lichtle, Jude and Oskar Lichtle; Kendra Smith and Kaitlin; Benjamin Barnes; a sister – Evelyn Jones of Wapakoneta; and a sister-in-law Waneta Meier of St. Marys.

He was preceded in death by a brother – Everett ‘Smokey’ Welch and a sister – Barbara (Carl) Cramer.

Funeral services will begin 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2022 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Pastor Rodney Ritchie will officiate. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery, near Uniopolis.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 26th at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Health Hospice.

See Condolences

We are so sorry to hear the passing of Duane Hes I thought s and prayers for the family we knew Kelly and sue real well thinking of carol too sincerely Amy and Doug jones

Carol, I was sorry to read of Duane's passing. I know that you will miss him very much. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Duane was a truly loving man. He accepted all of his grandchildren and family and loved them for who they are. He was one of the most empathetic and understanding people I have ever had the joy of knowing. He truly just loved to spend time with family and there was never any strings attached. Until we meet again in Heaven, we will cherish the memories of the time we had together.

We are sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We are so honored to have had Grandpa Duane in our lives. We love you all!

Strength and Solace Spray was purchased for the family of Duane Welch by Toby and Kate Lichtle and Families. Send Flowers

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am flooded with happy, carefree memories of when we were children growing up in Nebraska. Love to each and every one of you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.