George Welker, 93, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 23, 2025. He was born on March 26, 1932, in Grove City, OH, to George Pennell and Minnie Frances Welker. He was the beloved brother of Mona Jane, Margaret Jeanette, Martha June, and Marjorie Jean.

George's autobiography reads like a history book. Born during the Great Depression, he remembered his childhood as idyllic, growing up on the edge of town with a big yard and garden, in a community with little crime, where the bread man, milk man, and ice man, made weekly deliveries. Life was simple but full of work, family, and friendship.

The 1940s brought great change, with his sisters marrying and growing their own families, World War II, victory gardens, and the arrival of penicillin. In 1950, George graduated from Grove City High School, where he played football, and soon after began an apprenticeship as a photoengraver, a career he continued into the 1970s.

In 1952, George married Hilda Eyerman and soon after enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1952 to1955 during the Korean War. Together they raised four children, Bruce, Brenda, Linda, and Larry, while living in Ohio and Illinois. Their years were filled with family visits to relatives, trips to the Eyerman farm, and many vacations in Florida with George's parents. In the 1970s, George moved the family to Rockford, IL and continued as a photoengraver and then later became a sales representative for Compugraphic. After relocating to Florida, he met and married Juanita Streetman in 1980. He helped raise two of Juanita's four children, Tina and Todd, sharing many family events, ball games, and vacations together.

George enjoyed many activities throughout his life including reading, gardening, home improvement projects, sailing, painting and traveling.

George is survived by his four children, Bruce Welker of Tampa, FL, Brenda Word (Brad) of Arnett, OK; Linda Hickey (Christopher) of Rockton, IL; and Larry Eugene Welker (Juanita) of Gonzales, LA; and by his stepchildren, Tammy J. Harden (David) of Monticello, FL; Tony Streetman of Monticello, FL; Tina K. Morgan (Joe) of Monticello, FL; and Todd Streetman (Sarah) of Spring Hill, TN. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 am Friday November 14, 2025, at Barrancas National Cemetery, a funeral procession will be departing from Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 11:00 am.

George's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.