He was born on Jan. 13, 1932 in Polk County, the son of the late Hiram Allen Welchel and Jewell Lee Welchel.
Mr. Welchel was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from Jefferson Smurfit.
He is preceded in death by a daughter, Bonita Joy Welchel; sisters, Hazel Corn, Clara Merle Ross and Christine Welchel and brother, Arthur Eugene Welchel.
He is survived by his loving wife, Irene McWhorter Welchel; daughter, Beverly Kay Stephens; son, Edward Allen Welchel; brother, Tony Welchel; two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Mr. Welchel was cremated according to his wishes. A memorial celebration was held on Friday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. at Northwest Park Senior Citizen Center.
The family has requested that flowers be omitted and that any memorial contributions be made to the family fund.
The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.