COLUMBUS
Byron “By” Clair Welker, 83, of Columbus passed from this life at 3:31 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Columbus Regional Hospital with family at his side.
By was born October 26, 1941, in Grove City, Pennsylvania, the son of Norton and Beatrice Armstrong Welker.
Mr. Welker was a 1959 graduate of Grove City High School, a 1963 graduate of Slippery Rock University and 1970 Penn State Graduate. Following graduation, Byron coached many sports teams throughout Pennsylvania before moving to Indiana where he was a recreational therapist for adults with developmental disabilities. His hobbies included fishing, anything sports related and he enjoyed crafting unique driftwood pieces by hand. He will be deeply missed by those that know and love him.
Survivors include his son, Scott (Tammy) Welker; daughter, Marcy (Steve) Novak, both of Pennsylvania; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Beyond his own family, By lovingly included his cherished friend and companion, Sharon Wright along with her son, Greg (Kristy) Wright, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren as part of his extended family. These special relationships lasted over 22 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In keeping with the family’s request, cremation will take place and a celebration of life gathering will be held Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Jonathan Moore Pike. There will be no formal memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Indiana.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with Mr. Welker’s family at barkesweaverglick.com.
