Benjamin Welker

1995 - 2016

Benjamin Welker

NASHPORT: Benjamin Payne Welker received his eternal reward, December 9, 2016 at 6:25am. He reunites with family and friends at the middle gate, south wall of heaven. He fought a valiant two year battle against Ewing's Sarcoma, never losing his smile, sense of humor, nor his strong faith in Christ.

Ben was born in Zanesville, Ohio, July 28th, 1995 to Scott and Erin Welker. He was a 2014 graduate of Tri-Valley High School and a May 2015 graduate of Zane State College, with a degree in EEET. Zane State recently instituted a new scholarship in Ben's honor, The Ben Welker Sportsmanship and Community Service Scholarship that will be available this spring.

Prior to his diagnosis, Ben was employed at Dillon State Park in the maintenance department. After completing his degree at Zane State and during his brief remission, Ben obtained employment as a contracted employee at AEP in Gahanna. During this time at AEP, he was fortunate to work with a great group of people, participate in a Bible study, and hone his reputation as a prankster. God placed a calling on Ben when he was twelve years old to go into the ministry. This past August, Ben enrolled at Johnson Bible University in the online Biblical Studies program to work toward this calling. He was baptized into Christ on November 26, 2008 by his dad. He is a member of Meadow View Church of Christ where he leaves a family that surrounded him in prayer and love.

On November 26th of this year, Ben married the love of his life, Sarah (Ardrey) Welker who survives him. Their love and commitment to one another is a testimony in and of itself. We should all be so blessed to find a love of such depth and magnitude. They now look forward to their reunion in heaven.

Ben was blessed beyond measure with family and friends that loved him "to the moon and back." In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by a brother, Brock, and a sister, Laine. His best friend, who stuck closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), Reed Neal, and his family, Mark, Michelle, Grant, Abby, Catherine, Erik, and Ben's special girl, Emma. Mother and father-in-law, Dan and Julie Ardrey, sister-in-law Claire, Anna Ardrey and the Higdon family. Grandmothers, Lynette Mealey, Donna Todd and Mary Lou Welker. Aunts and Uncles, Tim and Jody Mealey, Hayden, Nicholas and Abby. Jeff and Lori Johnson, Chad and Courtney. Bobby and Tammy Mealey, Chad and Brandon. Chris and Wendy Shepherd, Alivia. Great grandmother, Evelyn Pieper and a host of cousins, neighbors, friends, church family, prayer warriors, co-workers and the countless friends at Nationwide Children's Hospital/Zanesville Child Lab. Additionally, Zane State College.

Ben's ministry in the pulpit may have never come to fruition but his legacy of faith will carry on and hopefully lead others to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Mark 13:32, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Our time on this earth is getting short, if you have not made a decision for Christ, don't wait another day. Meet Ben at the middle gate, south wall of heaven with the rest of us.

Friends and family may call from 12:00 P.M. until a celebration of Ben's life at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, December 12, 2016 at Meadow View Church of Christ, 6750 Raiders Road, Frazeysburg with Sam Dunn, Ben's mentor officiating. Private burial will be held Tuesday at the Mealey-Welker Family Farm Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meadow View Church of Christ, c/o Youth Ministry, 6750 Raiders Road, Frazeysburg, Ohio 43822, to carry on the ministry Ben intended to pursue.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.

Dignified and professional services entrusted to Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home.