David Kenneth Welles

We have loved him in life, let us not forget him in death.

David Kenneth Welles, 55, passed unexpectedly on Saturday, February 14, 2015. He passed quietly in his sleep.

David was born April 17, 1959 in Hartford, Connecticut and spent his formative years in Pennsylvania. He was a Staff Sergeant with the US Air Force as a Weather Specialist and Carpentry Specialist. He was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with on oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one oak leaf cluster, Small Arms Expert Rifle Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon.

As an adult he lived in many places but he called Port Charlotte, Florida home since June 2002. He solidified his place in the Port Charlotte Community as an owner of the Gilded Grape Winery in August 2005 and made sure that all had a great wine day! From being on stage, karaoke, and art to motorcycle, movies, and music, David was filled with light and joy, living life to the fullest and always ready with a smile. He contributed to the community as a member of the Punta Gorda Elks, the American Legion Post 110, and the American Legion Riders.

He is survived by his friend and life partner Paul W. Malcolm, his mother Arline Hitts Welles; brother, Donald Keith Welles; two sisters Holly Anne Oberoi and Shirley Ellen Johnson.; children Holly Marie Welles, Jessica Lynn Newbern, Malissa Anne Uher, Andrew Joseph Matalus, and Brian James Matalus, and grandchildren Reese Newbern, Amber and Joshua Matalus, Greyson, Lily and Levi Matalus, and Calista and Aidan Uher.

He is preceded in death by father Frederick Vincent Welles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, February 27 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Father Jerome Kaywell will preside. The following Monday, March 2 at 1:30 David will be interred at Sarasota National Cemetery at 9810 State Road 72 Sarasota, Florida 34241. The American Legion Riders will be escorting David from Kays-Ponger Funeral Home at 2405 Harbor Boulevard Port Charlotte, Florida 33952 at 12:00pm.

Contributions in memory of David may be made to the Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services (floridaelks.org) or flowers may be sent to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 211 W. Charlotte Ave. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950.

He will be missed.

Please visit the online tribute for David Kenneth Welles at www.kays-ponger.com to sign the guest book and offer condolences to the family.

Arrangements by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and cremation services. Port Charlotte Chapel.