Willis Edward Welty

Willis E Welty, 91, transitioned into the presence of his Lord, Jesus Christ, on Monday, December 18, 2017 at Methodist Hospital following a short illness. Willis was born on January 16, 1926 in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the oldest of five children to Edison and Aura (Wagner) Welty.

After graduating from Southside High School in Fort Wayne, he briefly attended Indiana University but was drafted into the Army in World War II as a T4 in the 236^th General Hospital. Later, he was chauffeur to the Allied General of Southern France, allowing him to meet Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower. After 2 years of service, he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Indiana University, completing a degree in chemistry. Prior to graduating, he met and married his wife of 68 years, Catherine (Hatfield) from Pandora, Ohio. They settled in Indianapolis, where he began a 41-year career at Eli Lilly and Company. He was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Throughout his life, he was a dedicated follower of Christ, committed to his church and family, and recognized as a quiet leader. He constantly cared for his wife, especially in recent years when faced with the challenges of growing older. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a delight to him, and he constantly kept current with each of them. He was grateful for his Swiss heritage, and, in recent years, the opportunity to be part of an Honor Flight. His prayers and care for family will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Alice and Ruth, and brother, Paul. He is survived by his wife Catherine, brother Neil (Barbara), son Tim (Connie), daughter Ann (Bill) Billman, son Matt (Val), eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 9:30-11 AM on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Faith Church, 91^st and College in Indianapolis, with a memorial service at 11 AM. Interment will be immediately following the service at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to Faith Church, Samaritan’s Purse, or the Indiana University Foundation designated for the John H Billman Scholarship.