Joseph Welker

Joseph “Joe” Welker, 93, of Jacksonville, FL., beloved husband, father, son, friend and child of God, passed away on December 23, 2010. Joe was born June 5, 1917 in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh, PA., and was the son of Joseph and Luella Marie Welker. He attended Peabody High School and graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Forestry with honors. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Xi Sigma Delta honor societies. Joe bravely served in the 43rd Army Infantry during World War II in the South Pacific, and continued his service after the war in the reserves before retiring as a Colonel. Following the war he married the love of his life, Martha Johnson Welker who joined him in raising their three children who survive him: John Welker, Martha “Marty” Welker Clark, and Joseph (Jody) Welker, Jr. He enjoyed his 7 grandchildren who survive him: Noah Welker, Christy Romero, Nathaniel Welker, Anna Welker, Joe Clark, Robert Clark and Joseph Welker V. Joe was an active member of Riverside Presbyterian Church and served as an elder on the Session many times. He served on call committees for pastors and had a special passion for International Missions, Christmas International House, and peacemaking which was inspired by his World War II experiences. Since childhood, Joe loved plants and agriculture. One of the dreams of his youth was to be an “international plant explorer.” After the war, he founded and operated Duval Landscape Company for over 50 years. He was an intuitive draftsman, landscape artist, and logistician which served him well in both his designs and plantings in the greater Jacksonville area. He was the landscape architect for many residences and buildings during his long career including the Cummer Art Gallery. One of the highlights of his career was landscaping the original Cummer Home. He continued to design and develop the property of The Cummer Art Gallery. He was a member and past President of the Florida Nursery and Growers Association, and served on the Governors Agricultural Council. In 2002 he was inducted into the FNGA Hall of Fame.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, 11:00am, December 30, 2010 at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park St., Jacksonville, FL., followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers you may send memorials to Riverside Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Edgewood Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205.