Nelson Welch,78, of Rawson, passed away on October 4, 2025. Nelson was born on December 6, 1946 at McComb Hospital in McComb, Ohio to the late Mearl and Ellen (Campbell) Welch.

He graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1965. As a young man he worked as a surveyor at Peterman & Associates, Findlay, United Aircraft Products, Forest and retired as a QC technician out of Rockwell International, Kenton.

Nelson enjoyed shooting black powder rifles at the Fort McCarther club, riding his golf cart, working on cars and reading history books and old westerns. Nelson (a.k.a. Pa Possum) and Ann hosted the annual redneck rendezvous for 10 years. He was a member of Bluffton Senior Center.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Rankey-Welch; daughters, Amy (Terry) Eck of Findlay, Amanda (Paul Cavanaugh) Welch of Centennial, Colorado; a son, Cameron (Alicia Bernes) Welch of Mentor, Ohio; a step-daughter, Hope (Josh Numbers) Davis of Findlay; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister Marilyn Wymer of Bluffton; a brother Norman Welch of Ada; and his previous wife, Connie Leeper of Findlay. 

Nelson was preceded in death by his former wife, Anne (Roidt) Welch, a brother, Wayne Welch, grandsons, Dillon Flint and Brandon Eck, and step-son, Luke Davis.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00- 8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Jenera Community Building with a brief memorial service starting at 6:00 p.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com. Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton is providing services to Nelson’s family.