Glen Arthur Welker

LYKENS - Glen Arthur Welker, age 82, of Lykens, PA died March 11, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on November 30, 1942 in Harrisburg, PA the son of the late Phyllis (Welker) Garber.
In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by a son Gary Smeltz, brother Jim Umholtz, and son-in law Robert Ketchem.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years Claudia A. (Reedinger) Welker, daughters Lisa Kolva (Troy) and Marci Ketchem, grandchildren Zachary Smeltz (Melissa), Megan Williams (Corey), Kassandra Lenker, Mackenzy Zerby (Derrick), Mitchell Lenker (Jessica), Kelsey Kolva, Jennifer Ketchem (Stephen Dunst), and Joey Ketchem, great grandchildren Blake, Colton, Delaney, Shane, Henry, Everleigh and Eloise. He is also survived by a niece Beth who was like a daughter and took the best care of the compound, as well as multiple nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Glen was a 1960 graduate of Lykens High School.
He served as a career airman in the U.S. Air Force. During his long tenure he served at Air Force Bases in Lackland, TX, Lowny, CO, Forbes, KS, Chaumont and Phalsborough, France Norwich, Germany, Plattsburg, NY, Murted and Eskisehiv, Turkey, Volk Field, Takhli and Ubon, Thailand, Ellsworth, SD, Aviano, Italy, Ramstern Germany, McGuire, NJ, and Indianhead, MD.
He served in active duty during the Vietnam War.
Among his distinguished awards during service were the Air Force Senior Missile Man Badge, the Master EOD Badge, and after 26 years of service retired with the rank of Chief Master Sgt. (E-9).
He was a Dauphin County Council Member and Inspector for the VFW District 18, the arthritis and diabetes inspector for many years, served as chairman for the Poppies, and District 18 hospitality room chairman.
Locally Glen was a member of the Gratz VFW where he served as trustee 91-93, Sr. Vice Commander 94-95, Jr. Vice Commander 97-98, Surgeon 98-99, Commander 2002-2006, Quartermaster and Adjutant 2007-2025. He was instrumental in the food bank at the VFW, a member of the White Hat Club, and the home association. He had a great love for organizing and serving with the Honor Guard for funeral honors, and cared for the ordering of flags for nine local cemeteries.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Minnich Family Funeral Homes, Inc. from 9:30 AM-11:00 AM. Graveside services will follow with military honors at Calvary Cemetery, Wiconisco.
The family requests that memorial donations may be made to Gratz VFW, 424 Specktown Rd, Lykens, PA 17048.
Arrangements are being cared for by the staff of Minnich Funeral. We are honored to serve this family at our Minnich Family Funeral Homes, Inc., Williamstown location. To sign the guestbook go to www.minnichfuneral.com.