Carl H. Welker

1939 – 2022

West Springfield – Carl H. Welker, 83, was called home Monday evening surrounded by his loving family.  Carl was born in Springfield and has been a lifelong resident of West Springfield, a town he was proud to call home.  He was an outstanding athlete at West Springfield High School and after graduating, served in the United States Air Force for four years.  Carl owned and operated Welker's Service Station on Elm Street for over 30 years with the help of his devoted "canine" employees, Rico, Bear, and Chester.  A man of great faith, he was known for his quick wit, strong work ethic, and his tremendous love for all animals, especially dogs.   He was happiest when spending time with his family and friends.  His devoted wife Patricia (Schladenhauffen) Welker died in 2014, and he has missed her every day since.  He was also predeceased by his father Anton, his mother Caroline, his sister Lillian Woods, and his stepdaughter Ann Marie.  He leaves his two daughters Donna Shea and her husband Kevin, Deanna Lawrence and her husband Steve; stepsons Mark and Todd Newhouse; daughter-in-heart, Diana Allen and her husband Frank; three grandchildren: Britton Lawrence, Jamie Ann Newhouse and her husband Brian, and Todd Newhouse; brothers Edward, Otto, and Ernest Welker; sister Margaret Kuhn; many nephews and nieces; his first wife Ann Welker; and countless friends he considered family.  Visiting hours will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Friday from 4:00 – 7:00pm.  The funeral will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday at 10:00am followed by burial in Paucatuck Cemetery.  For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105.  Please consider adopting an animal in need of a loving home.