David Welsh

He was born at the family home in Fairmount City, PA, on May 19, 1952, to Harry and Elmo Welsh.

After graduating from Redbank Valley High School in 1971, David joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI, working as an SK2 before being transferred to Oakland, CA, where he was honorably discharged in 1975. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

He then returned home and attended Williamsport Community College, earning a degree in carpentry.

David married the love of his life, Darlene, on Oct. 8, 1977, in Kittanning, PA. He lived most of his adult life in Sheffield, PA, where he started a business, Warren Builders Supply.

In addition to teaching his three children about the business, he spent his time encouraging and supporting his kids and all their endeavors. He taught them to hunt, fish, and be contributing members of society. In his daily life he demonstrated the value of not just attending church, but having a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They attended the Warren First Church of the Nazarene as a family.

David loved being around people. He enjoyed traveling around the U.S., going on mission trips, and camping. He had a great sense of humor, kept a smile on his face, and had a funny story to share. David was thoughtful, considerate, caring, and always ready to lend a hand to those in need. He made many close friends in the military and civilian life.

David would become best known and remembered in the roles he dearly treasured: a loving husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend. Becoming a grandfather in 2016, one of his greatest joys was being called Papa, Grandpa, and “hunka hunka burnin’ man” by all of his grandchildren.

In 2017, David and his wife moved to Grand Junction, CO. They attended and became members of the Clifton Christian Church in Clifton, CO.

During his final days, David was surrounded by those he loved, his wife and three children.

David is survived by his wife of 43 years, Darlene Trudgen Welsh; two sons and wives: Christopher and Christine Welsh of Grand Junction, CO; Kevin and Gabrielle Welsh of Worthville, KY; daughter and husband Kayla and Kyle Schulze of Gunnison, CO; four grandchildren: Khloe and Kallie Welsh of Worthville, KY, and Ava and Aiden Welsh of Grand Junction, CO; sister, Trudy Beekman of Fergus Falls, MN; two brothers and spouses, Larry and Janice Welsh of LaPorte, IN; Timothy and Dianne Welsh of Fayetteville, PA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A military service for the family will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western CO on February 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. A memorial service will be held at Clifton Christian Church on February 26, 2021, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Volunteer Services General Fund, Grand Junction VA Medical Center, 2121 North Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81504 (online: volunteer.va.gov, select make a difference e-donate for patient support) for the excellent care he received during his hospital stay OR Clifton Christian Church, 3241 F 1/4 Road, Clifton, CO 81520 for their excel-lent spiritual teaching and fellowship.