William (Bill) Welker, Jr.

On Friday, August 16, 2019 William (Bill) Welker, Jr., loving husband and father of four children passed away at the age of 90. Bill was born on November 12, 1928 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to William and Mildred (Watson) Welker. He was a veteran, serving in the Army Air Corps when he graduated from high school. He married Barbara Ann Janus on August 19, 1951. Together they raised two daughters and two sons. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1962 and worked for the Department of Agriculture as a Research Horticulturist and an adjunct professor at Rutgers University (NJ) and West Virginia University until he retired in 1991. Bill received numerous awards for his research. He helped to develop and is listed on multiple patents for a weed wiping device designed for cranberry and orchard tree weed management. His work with cranberries led him to have a variety named after him.  Bill loved fishing and most vacations included a fishing pole. He enjoyed traveling and explored all 50 states as well as most of Europe. He was an active member of the Lion’s Club. Bill will be remembered for his quick wit, dry humor and devotion to his wife of 68 years. He was preceded in death by his father, William and his mother, Mildred. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughters Catherine (Donald) Salge, Carol (Joseph) Diaz, sons William (Amy) Welker, Robert (Deanna) Welker, sister Jacqueline Welker, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 19, 2019 at Hartsell Funeral Home, 12115 University City Blvd., Harrisburg, NC  28075.

The family will receive friends (time to be determined) Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Melvin T. Strider Funeral Home, 319 S. Fairfax Blvd., Ranson, WV  25438. The funeral service will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 5, 2019. The family will receive friends 9 - 10 a.m. prior to the service. Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest with military honors at St. Peter's Cemetery, Harpers Ferry, WV, 25425.

Special thanks to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, Hospice of the Panhandle, Kearneyville, WV and Hunter Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Welker family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com