Donald Geroyd Wellman

Donald "Don"Geroyd Wellman
1935-2025
"He traveled the world, touched countless lives, and yet his heart always found its way home."
-Unknown
Donald "Don" Geroyd Wellman, age 90 of Catlettsburg, Ky, began his journey home to be with his Heavenly Father and precious Dottie, on August 1, 2025.
Don's story began in the spring of 1935, on April 22nd. He was born at home in Catlettsburg, KY. He was the blessing of the late Strother and Bertha Ann, affectionatly known as "Annie" Wellman. Don was a proud 1953 graduate of Thomas R. Brown High School. Don worked tirelessly to provide for his beloved family. He sacrificed for them and traveled the first half of his career. His travels took him to the most remarkable places, and he was blessed to see all the United States, the Middle East, Egypt, and he even got to take his family with him to Europe. Although he had been to many places, his heart always led him back home to the town he lived in his entire life. Don was truly Catlettsburg's Native Son.
Don's life was one of service to others, it began with service and sacrifice for his family and carried over to his service and devotion to the community he loved. A lot will remember him as a kind face at the courthouse, where he worked security, or the councilman and mayor of the small town he so loved, and some may even remember him as the man that ran line for them when they built their new home. Don's life was marked with some amazing events, He got to rub elbows with Astronauts, lay Blueprints for Airports in Saudi Arabia, be elected KY Colonel, and he even had a run in with the Pope in a back alley that lead to a blessing but his biggest accomplishments in life came from the two little girls who called him daddy.
Don, like most from Kentucky, was an avid UK Fan! His blood ran blue for his Wildcats. He coached them year after year, from the comfort of his living room of course, but it was a job that brought him great joy as well as ups and downs. Don's faith was unwavering, and he counted his blessings each day. He found peace at the Catlettsburg Community Church where he was a dedicated member.
Don was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother in Christ, and a friend to many. The love he had for his family ran deeper than the depths of the oceans he traveled across many times. He will be deeply missed by all of whom was blessed enough to be a part of his life. His legacy will live on throughout the generations in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Don leaves behind his two devoted children, Marilyn Serrano and her husband Jorge of Catlettsburg, KY and Lissa Dawn Stephens and her husband Brook of Fort Meyers, FL, four precious grandchildren who fondly remember him as the "Yes Man" Brandon Serrano and his wife Rebecca, Chase Serrano and his wife Randi, McKenzee Miller and her husband Ryan, and Madison Stephens, and three great-grandchildren, Kalena Serrano, William Serrano, and Daniel Serrano and one sister Gail Sammons and her husband Arnold of Catlettsburg, KY. Also surviving are many nieces,
nephews, extended family members, and friends.
In addition to his late parents, Don is enjoying being reunited with his beloved wife of 47 years, Dorothy Jean "Dottie" Wheeler Wellman, and three brothers, James Wellman, Richard "Dick" Wellman, and Billy Wellman.
A funeral service to honor the life of Don will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home, located at 2409 Center Street, Catlettsburg, KY, beginning at 1:00pm with his son-in-law Brook Stephens officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm. Don will be laid to rest alongside his Dottie at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens following the service on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Catlettsburg Leadership Community Development Council at P.O. Box 56, Catlettsburg, KY 41129.
Online condolences may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.
Neal Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Donald Geroyd Wellman.