Madison Mayor Damon L. Welch Obituary (1953

Let Us Pause To Honor the Memory of Mayor Damon Lee Welch "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day... and not only me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8 Mayor Damon Lee Welch, age 66, of Madison, Indiana entered this life on May 13, 1953 at King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison, Indiana. He was the loving son of James Lawrence and Virginia Lou Ball Welch. A 1971 graduate of Madison Consolidated High School, Damon enjoyed the many social, athletic and leadership outlets available to youth. He represented his peers on Student Council, participated in track and cross country, won the honor of prom king his senior year and served as lead singer and guitarist for "The Dutchmen" band. More than all of this, the future mayor also connected with his sweetheart for life, Virginia K. "Ginny" Kelly. On Aug. 3, 1973, Damon and Ginny were united in marriage. Two daughters, Gaeli and Kirsty, and one son, Collin, blessed this happy union of 46 years. In 1975, Damon graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Graduation day entailed a double celebration for the ROTC member. Besides the coveted college diploma, he also was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Damon was inducted into the United States Air Force on Sept. 7, 1975 in Madison, IN and attained the rank of Captain serving in the 606th Tactical Control Squadron. Meriting the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, he was honorably discharged on Aug. 6, 1980 at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. After his military tenure, Damon returned to his Jefferson County roots and for nine years was the owner/operator of Damon's Restaurant on Main Street. Although opening time preceded sunrise, Damon enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of his many customers who depended on him for that cheerful hello and early morning cup of coffee. His career later veered in a new and different direction as he worked in the hearing health industry for 20 years. In 2012, Damon took on a totally different role as the newly elected mayor and civic leader of the City of Madison. Pleased with his leadership, citizens re-elected Damon mayor again for the 2016-2020 term. Before his mayoral post, he had served on Madison City Council and Plan Commission. Damon sported many accomplishments as mayor, but he most cherished Madison being named a Stellar Community, the new Madison bridge approach, the Tack Factory project and the Cotton Mill endeavor with its ground breaking ceremony this weekend. His love for music began as a young teen but definitely evolved into adulthood. Wherever there was music, Damon was close by. He penned lyrics, played guitar, sang lead and belonged to bands. Local events also frequently featured the mayor and his wife singing "Oldies" in a band comprised of friends. His other entertainment passion entailed the Big Blue Nation, the home of his alma mater. For Damon, no other college basketball team compared to the Kentucky Wildcats. The avid fan knew the players, the stats, conference standings and all the historical moments that thrusted UK to the top. At North Madison Christian Church, where he donated voluminous time and involvement, Damon served as a Deacon, Elder, Worship Leader and all-around volunteer. Whenever a need prevailed, Damon stepped forward. A true community servant and leader with vision, Damon loved accommodating and promoting his hometown. He was a prolific supporter of numerous community charities and projects, such as Life Choices and Ruth Haven. That compassion extended beyond the boundaries of the Ohio River Valley as well, with he and Ginny presently helping a child in Uganda gain a better education and exposure to life skills. Damon was a devoted husband, loving dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, son and friend. Damon was anticipating the birth of another grandson, whom Damon affectionately nicknamed "Peanut," in November. The mayor passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at 8:49 a.m. at the Emergency Room at King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison, Indiana. What can we say other than, "Well Done" Damon Welch. Click Here for Tribute Video A LOVING FAMILY Damon will be missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Virginia K. "Ginny" Kelly Welch of Madison, Indiana; his loving daughters Gaeli Batts and her husband Andy of Madison, Indiana and Kirsty Henderson and her husband Kyle of Huntington Beach, California; his loving son, Collin and his wife Nicole of Escondido, California; his beloved grandchildren, Emma, Rebekah, Drew, Jonathan, Addalyn, Clayton, Calvin, and Ingrid; his loving mother, Virginia Welch of Madison, Indiana; his loving brothers Mike Welch and his wife Wanda of Madison, Indiana and Gary Welch and his wife Ruth Ann of Corydon, Indiana; his loving sister Frances "Franny" Phillips and her husband Gary of Dupont, Indiana; his brothers in laws, Jerry L. Everett and his wife Karen of Nabb, Indiana, Joe A. Everett and his wife Sue of Littleton, Colorado; his aunts, Patsy Abbott of Bedford, Kentucky and Sondra Ayler and her husband Fred of Manville, Indiana; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father James Lawrence Welch who died March 11, 1999, his little brother Arthur Kevin Welch who died September 5, 1960, his mother in law Helen Kelly who died February 6, 2000, his father in law William L. "Bill" Kelly who died May 10, 2015, his sister in law Sally Sparks Everett who died August 7, 1986, his brother in law John S. Everett who died October 5, 2017, his nieces Dawnna Schoolcraft Bowen who died January 20, 1996 and Kimberly Everett Grooms who died September 29, 2009, his nephews Damon Eric Schoolcraft who died December 25, 1968 and Bryan Lee Everett who died December 3, 2016, his great nephew Jon Michael Schoolcraft, III who died in Iraq on January 18, 2008. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, September 29, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., by Bro. Bob Hicks and Bro. Robby King at the North Madison Christian Church, 1400 East State Road 62 in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1415 North Gate Road in Madison, Indiana. VISITATION (ALL VISITATION at the CHURCH) Friends may visit Saturday from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the North Madison Christian Church, 1400 East State Road 62 in Madison, Indiana. MILITARY HONORS A final salute will be conducted on Sunday at the North Madison Christian Church by the Major Samuel Woodfill Post No. 9 of the American Legion and the United States Air Force Ceremonial Unit with military honors. MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to the North Madison Christian Church or the Remembrance Fund for Scholarships in honor of Mayor Welch. Cards are available at the funeral homes and the church. Online condolences can be sent to, www.morgan-nay and www.lytlewelty.com CARING SERVICE PROVIDED BY The Staffs of Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres and Lytle Welty Funeral Homes in Madison, Indiana Make An Online Memorial Donation To send a flower arrangement in memory of Madison Mayor Damon L. Welch, please click here to visit our sympathy store.