John D Welch

John Dwight Welch

Bloomington, Indiana – Phoenix, Arizona

John Dwight Welch passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Bloomington, Indiana, John lived a life defined by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the people and pursuits that mattered most to him.

John's talents showed early. In high school, he played in the band, "The Mojo Men," that toured multiple states, with several tracks receiving airplay on radio stations across the Midwest. He was also a standout athlete who went on to play AAA baseball. He later studied Mechanical Engineering at Vincennes University, where he developed the technical foundation that would shape the rest of his career. He went on to work as an Aerospace Technician and later served in security roles, bringing the same precision and dedication to every position he held.

But it was his passions outside the workplace that truly set John apart. As a self-taught astronomer, John became an Astronomer Entertainer, sharing the wonder of the night sky with audiences and making the cosmos feel approachable and exciting. Separately, he was a gifted guitar musician with over 60 years of experience.

John was also an inventor. He designed and built a proprietary solar scope that allowed viewers to safely observe the sun during solar eclipses without the need for glasses, a testament to his engineering ingenuity and his commitment to making astronomy accessible. In 1995, while observing near Stanfield, Arizona, John was the first to visually identify what would become Comet Hale-Bopp, one of the most widely observed comets of the 20th century. He pointed out the strange object near M70 to fellow observer Thomas Bopp, who went on to report the discovery. The comet could have carried John's name, but the credit went to others. It was never about the recognition for him; it was about the sky.

His skill with his hands extended to the restoration of vintage guitars and the creation of specialized instruments for guitar repair, work that earned him a reputation among musicians who valued true craftsmanship.

When he wasn't looking up at the stars or working on a guitar, John could often be found on the open road. He was an avid long-distance cyclist who loved the freedom and rhythm of a good ride.

Family was at the center of John's life. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 55 years, Diana J. Lawson, and a proud father to his sons, Jeffrey A. Welch and John A. Welch. His daughter-in-law, Marie L. Friedl Welch, was the daughter of his heart. He loved spending time with his grandson, Brodey A. Welch, "B", and his granddaughter, Mila A. Welch, who lovingly called him "Rock and Roll Grandpa."

He was preceded in death by his father, John "Bud" Welch; his mother, Wilma Jean DeFord Welch; and his brother, James Russell Welch.

John's life was full, full of creativity, full of purpose, and full of love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone whose world he made a little brighter. The stars he spent a lifetime admiring now have one more reason to shine.