Ralph George Welker

Farmington- Ralph George Welker, 91, of Farmington, passed away at 1:50 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at his residence. He was born on August 7, 1932 to Clarence and Gertrude (Anderson) Welker, at home outside Farmington, Illinois. He married Mary Woodcock on April 27, 1953. She preceded him in death on March 8, 1986. He then married Patricia (Fresia) Black on August 8, 1987.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, children, Debbie (Gene) Lingenfelter of Farmington, and Kay Lynn Pierson of Avon; Jeff Welker (Deceased), and step-sons, David (Kelsey) Black of Farmington, Steven E. Black (Deceased), grandchildren, Chris (Chad) Pyatt of Trivoli, Brandy (Brett) Stevens of Elmwood, Heather (Jason) Schrodt of Banner, Jeremy Pierson of Canton, and Steve (Maggie) Black of Farmington, Zec Black of Farmington, Carl (Megan) Clemons of Fairview, Lynsey and Ami; great-grandchildren, Alysha and Kylie Pyatt, Brendan, Austin, and Caleb Stevens, Kaprice and Colter Pierson, Bailey (Hannah) and Kaley Pierson, Taylor (Cody) Johanningsmeier, Stevie D. Black, and baby great-grandson on the way, Abi, Carter, and Aleeda Clemons, Bryse and Braydon Hunter and Jlynn; great-great-grandchildren, Hazel, Ryder, Olivia, Julian, Jace, and Cora.

He is also survived by brothers, Alfred (Bonnie) Welker of Elmwood, David (Nancy) Welker of Hanna City, eleven nieces, and nephews; two step-nephews, and many great- nieces and nephews. His sister Ila is deceased.

Ralph served in the United States Army from July 1953 until September 1954 during the Korean War. He was a member of Farmington Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Trustee.

Through the years, Ralph worked at many different jobs, including gas stations, factories like Maytag, International Harvester, and Caterpillar to name a few, Midland Coal Company on the cattle farm, and as a custodian at Farmington High School, which he retired from July of 1995.

Ralph was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a quiet man and very patient. He could fix things, build things, and was always tinkering with something. He was a die-hard Cubs, Bears, and Bulls Fan as well as University of Illinois football/Basketball fan. He will be missed by his family/friends but we know where he is, and will see him again someday.

A graveside service and burial will take place in Oakridge Cemetery in Farmington at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and the Farmington American Legion. Pastor Cindy Bean will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Farmington Rescue Squad 1100 or to the Farmington Presbyterian Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com