Paul H. Welty, age 71, of Flora, IL died at 4 PM on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Flora Rehab & Health Care Center.

He was born on February 21, 1941 in Clay County, Illinois to Albert and Opal (Slade) Welty. He married Claudia J. Finch on June 28, 1964 in Wheaton, IL. To this union their lives were blessed with three wonderful children.

Paul graduated from Flora High School in 1959 where he excelled in Shop and Industrial Arts and Crafts. He attended Olney Central College later in his adult life where he completed three semesters. Paul was an avid fisherman who loved to fish and camp. He built lawn & garden crafts and enjoyed working in his yard and attending to flower beds. He had worked in cabinet making at Geneva Industries, was an operator for Dowell, and later NAL where he retired in 2003. He was a life-long member of Flora First Christian Church and above all enjoyed being with family and friends and loved his little dog Peaches.

He is survived by a daughter: Lora I. Welty of Robinson, IL; 2 sons: Michael (Lorrie) Welty of Robinson, IL, and Matthew (Norma) Welty of Kansas City, MO; 4 grandchildren: Christopher Welty of Robinson, IL, Lucas Welty of Robinson, IL, Holly Welty of Kansas City, MO, and Hannah Welty of Kansas City, MO; ex-wife and friend: Claudia Welty of Robinson, IL; 3 brothers: Dee (Willene) Welty of Cisne, IL, James Welty of Flora, IL, Bobby (Kathy) Welty of Antioch, TN; sister-in-law: Ethel Welty of Clay City, IL, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Darlene Durre and Veda Shrum and 2 brothers: Danny Welty and Duwayne Baughman.

The funeral service for Paul H. Welty will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Bruce Horsley officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Flora First Christian Church or Xenia Community Church because of the family's appreciation for Pastor Horsley.