David J. “Poppy” Welsh, Greensburg, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 just 6 days shy of his 97th birthday.
He was born on June 15, 1924 in Greensburg, Indiana, the son of David and Iona (Wright) Welsh.
In 2002, David was the first WWII veteran in Decatur County to receive an honorary high school diploma since he had been drafted prior to his senior year. David served in the Army as a TEC 5 as a heavy load truck driver. He participated in the battles at Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the EAME Theatre Ribbon with 4 bronze stars.
David was a tool and die maker at Greensburg Tool and Die for many years. David was a 75 year member of the American Legion Post #129 and a member of the Eagles Lodge in Greensburg. He was an avid woodworker and he also refinished furniture. He loved fishing, music, and spending every waking minute with family and friends.
He married the love of his life, Betty J. Cardinal on July 30, 1949 in Carrolton, Kentucky and she preceded him in death on November 24, 2020.
He is survived by one son, Tom (Paula) Welsh, Christiansburg, VA; one daughter, Sharon Welsh, Greensburg; one daughter-in-law, Peggy Welsh, Greensburg; six grandchildren, Chi (Dave) Hamilton, Jeff (Lori) Wenning, Chris Welsh, Anna (JJ) Painter, Zach (Brittany) Welsh, Blake Welsh; eleven great grandchildren, Chelsea Karnes, Zac Linville, Alyssa Gibson, Zoe Howard, Dylan Jarvis, Aries Jarvis, Sarah Painter, Vivian Painter, Lilli Welsh, Sam Welsh, Emma Welsh; two great great grandchildren, Jade Cooper and Laelynn Howard.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Larry Welsh; two brothers, Joe and Ray Welsh; three sisters, Mary Davis, Jean Wood, and Pearl Peetz.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial with graveside military services will be held in the South Park Cemetery in Greensburg. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #129. David and his family were very appreciative of the care and friendships made at the Heritage House Nursing Home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneral home.com