Charles Russell Welch
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4: 7 Charles Russell Welch, 70, was surrounded in love as he finished his race on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at his home in Crestline.
It is difficult to sum up one’s life in a few short sentences. Charlie’s life was so much more than a paragraph and a few funny stories. We want you to know him and let you understand what a great guy he was and is forever in our hearts. Our lives were better for having him in them, even if for just a short while.
The son of Frank M. and Ruth Ann (Tinkey) Welch, Charlie was born on April 12, 1952, in Mansfield and remained a lifelong area resident. A graduate of Ontario High School class of 1971, Charlie attended Bluffton University.
Charlie and Denise A. Gwinner were united in marriage on August 31, 1980. The memories that Charlie and Denise created throughout their marriage journey are now cherished treasures of the heart.
Charlie’s work history was long and varied. He drove truck for Roger Au Company, was a tool and die maker and Project Manager for Therm-O-Disc and Jay Industries, and raised, bred, trained, and showed Appaloosa and Quarter Horses. As a young man he worked on the family farm- some of his fondest memories happened on that farm. He loved the smell of fresh turned earth, freshly mowed hay, and the vibrant green of the wheat in the spring.
Charlie could tell a joke like no other! He would begin a story and have you wanting to believe it until he told you the punch line at the end. The smile on his face as he watched you realize you had just been taken was priceless followed by his uproarious laughter. Everyone loved hearing Charlie’s stories as much as he enjoyed sharing them.
A weekend at a horseshow was a weekend of hard work typically ending with a late-night campfire and a touch of humor. Charlie’s horses always did well in the ring and he encouraged his competitors with good natured teasing.
His circle of friends was large and varied- friends from his days at Ontario, college classmates, work, the horse business, and others he met on his journey through life. Charlie would greet you with a quick smile and genuine handshake always asking how life was treating you.
Charlie lived life as it came and enjoyed those people who shared it with him. His time with family and friends was priceless. Charlie supported and encouraged his family; he was their rock and gave so much of himself to them. He believed in letting people know he appreciated them. Keeping in touch with old friends, and making new, was his way of life.
Charlie accomplished much in his lifetime; but he would be the first to tell you that everything pales in comparison to his family. His family was his pride and joy and, especially during his last few months, they gave him great comfort and peace.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Denise A. (Gwinner) Welch; children: Shane (Tara) Welch, Jodi (Mandi Whitlatch) Welch, Cory (Rachel) Welch; grandchildren: Raegan, Ashtyn, Oliver, C.J., Hayleigh and Blaine; siblings: Ted (Brian Walters) Welch; Kathleen (Mike) Shaffer, David (Melody) Welch, Karen (Daryl) Slusher, and Carl Welch; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law: Terry Gwinner, Father David E. Gwinner, and Dwight Hawk; as well as other relatives and friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Ruth Welch; nephew: Gary Slusher; mother-in-law: Phyllis Gwinner; father- in-law: William Gwinner, sister-in-law: Cheryl Hawk; and maternal and paternal grandparents.
The family would like to express with grateful hearts a thank you to Hospice of North Central Ohio for the care shown to Charlie and his family. His journey home ended with grace, dignity, and peace.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a Christian Wake Service will be held immediately following calling hours at 7 pm. During the wake service, the family encourages you to stay and have a time of sharing. As Charlie loved nothing better than a good story, he selected a few himself that he would like to have shared. Bring your best Charlie Welch story to share as well. Charlie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 11 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5742 State Route 61, Shelby with Fr. Jeff Smith, celebrant, and Fr. David E. Gwinner, concelebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
To honor Charlie please consider donations to The James Cancer Center, www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift (specifically selecting the Medicine Category to support The James), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate, or The Wounded Warrior Project, www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Condolences may be expressed by leaving a comment on Charlie’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
To view Charlie’s tribute video, click the link provided: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/5B3TF6G9THJM8LP7
Denise and family, so sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss and are in our prayers.
Denise & Family, we are so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Your right, he fought the fight and then HE decided it was time to go home. What ever he touched, he turned to Charlie was here.
Mac & Gerald will be there with him when he comes home!
God Bless you Family!
Denise & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Charlie was an amazing, kind, funny guy and he will truly be missed.
Gregg, Kim & Max Shoewalter
Denise, Shane, Jodi, Cory and families, words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Charlie’s passing. We shared in many of Charlie’s stories. Charlie & Gerald fought their cancer battles together as best of friends and encouraged each other on their journey. Maybe they will lift their special bourbon glasses as they regale each other with another story. He will be missed and I want you to know I have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Charlie
Denise, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I didn’t know Charlie, but it sure sounds like I missed out on knowing a great person. Denise, I remember horse club days with you and your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My Heart hurts for Charlies Family . He was a good kind man and will be missed by so many . Prayers
Denise, Shane, Jodi, Cory and families, we’re so saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. Oh, the stories we heard while sitting in the garage. Gerald loved passing time with Charlie. They shared their struggles through the cancer journeys they each had. I hope they take the special bourbon glasses and raise them together for a heavenly salute. RIP Charlie
Barb, Brittany & Chase
Denise and family our deepest sympathy for your loss, know Charlie will be greatly missed. So many memories from the horse shows and the farm,he was a special person, caring and honest to a fault, just like his Dad
So sorry to hear about the loss of Charlie! I remember him and all of you when Emily and Adam spent lots of time with your wonderful family! He always had a smile and was so warm and friendly! Our sincere sympathy and prayers for all of you during this difficult time!
Dear Denise and family…So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Dear Denise & Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. He will be very much remembered as one of the good guys. So, glad you were able to come to our friday night 50 Class Reunion last year. Sorry to say that was the last time we got to see him…but I’m sure he enjoyed it. You are in my prayers & thought.
Hugs to you.
Susie
So sorry for your loss. Praying for all
Denise and Family, my deepest condolences to all of you. Cherish all your beautiful memories. Hugs to all , Molly
Denise, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I didn’t know Charlie, but it sure sounds like I missed out. We haven’t talked in forever, but I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Andrews
Denise and family, so sorry to learn of Charlie’s passing. Yes, he was a cut up but there were many funny issues that went on at the bus garage also……..that being how I met him and knowing your family was how we reconnected back. God Bless you all with prayers and hugs!