With his loving family by his side, Donald Arthur Welch, age 83, died on February 26, 2012 at IU LaPorte Hospital following a long, brave fight with rheumatoid arthritis and subsequent heart problems. He was born February 24, 1929 in Delaware, Ohio to Paul and Pauline Evans Welch. He was a 1947 graduate of Frank B. Willis High School in Delaware. In Delaware on August 11, 1951, he married Mary Baker Welch who survives along with two daughters, Jacqueline L. Snuttjer of Chicago, IL; and Sheryl (Tom) Swaney, New Carlisle, IN, and one son, Scott A, Indianapolis, a brother Paul (Ann), Michigan City, and a sister, Eileen Davenport, Delaware, Ohio. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Katherine (Matthew) Jumper and Kristine Snuttjer, Joshua (Brandi) Nelson and Jonna Nelson, and Alison and Emilie Welch and five great-grandchildren, Drayton and Delayna Nelson and Ava and Finnegan Foos and Levi Jumper. He served in the U. S. Air Force and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1950. He retired as a division manager with American Rubber Products in 1992 after 29 years of service. For many years, he was an active member of the Jaycees. He was also active as a Little League baseball coach and as an umpire in the La Porte softball programs. In high school, he was a three year letterman in basketball, football and baseball. Don was an enthusiastic sports fan particularly of Purdue, the Colts and the Packers and always was waiting for the Cubs’ year. Don was a member of the First United Methodist Church and its United Methodist Men’s club, served on the Newcomer’s Committee and was a regular usher and had been on other committees in previous years. He was also a member of the Lions Club, previously a member of its board and assisted with the Lions Alert program. He was a member of the La Porte Hospital Auxiliary and an active lobby volunteer and he drove for Meals on Wheels. He belonged to the Legacy Hills Golf Club and was a member of its Senior Men’s Club until his health declined. Don dearly loved spending time with his family and friends and will be sadly missed by them. Don and his family are so appreciative of the professional and compassionate care that he received in the last weeks of his life from his doctors, nurses, and VNA at Indiana University Health LaPorte hospital. The Cutler Funeral Home is handling arrangements and cremation. Interment of the ashes will be held at a later date. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 1 at 2:30 PM with Rev. Evan Lash officiating. Friends may visit with his family at the church at 1:00 P.M. prior to the service and at a coffee hour in the Friendship Hall of the church following the celebration of his life. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the La Porte Hospital Foundation in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com