Richard Dorman Welch

Richard Dorman Welch, 78, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at FairHope’s Pickering House, due to complications from an undetermined bone marrow disorder.

Richard was born on February 11, 1947, to the late Robert “Bob” and Lois V. (Whipkey) Welch, both originally of Calhoun County, West Virginia.

After spending his early years in West Virginia, Richard moved with his family to Newark, Ohio, where he graduated from Newark High School in 1965.

Following high school, Richard worked for Sears, Holophane Glass, and Owens Corning. In 1971, he married Sharon Kay Sterling and moved to Lancaster. Richard then worked for Woolworth’s and Sears before being employed by Premix/E.M.S. (later Bailey Corporation and then Venture Industries) in Lancaster for about 25 years. After the closure of the Lancaster plant, Richard worked as a home care aide and later for what is now the Fairfield Center for Independence.

Richard was active in Scouting, including serving as Cubmaster of Pack 188 and as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 575. He also was a regular blood donor through the American Red Cross.

Richard was an avid reader and enjoyed assembling scale model kits.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Sharon Kay (Sterling) Welch; his parents; older brothers Donald Ray Welch and William Foster Welch; older sister Carol Richey; and younger sister, Sara Jane Welch.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Natalie, and son, Robert.

Burial will be in Betzer Cemetery, Carroll, Ohio, at a future date. Cremation services were provided by Frank E. Smith Funeral Home of Lancaster, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fairfield County District Library (219 N Broad St., Lancaster, OH 43130).