Kevin James Welker

Kevin was preceded in death by his father and mother, Vivian R. Welker and Marjorie Isabelle Poole-Welker; his brother, Edward Jake Welker; and his sister, Sharon Marie Welker-Wells.

Kevin was born on August 24, 1956, in Pontiac, Michigan, where he was raised and lived throughout his life. After attending Pontiac Northern High School for several years, he continued his education and earned his GED.

Growing up, Kevin worked closely alongside his father, a highly respected military veteran who taught Kevin and his brothers the skills they needed to survive, work hard, and thrive. Together, the family tended their farm, where they grew plentiful fruits and vegetables. There seemed to be nothing they could not accomplish together. They built houses from the ground up, along with many other structures and projects. That wealth of knowledge, skill, and determination has now been passed down through several generations, with more to come.

One day, while working with his father, Kevin was standing on a ladder when he caught a glimpse of a beautiful woman walking into a nearby restaurant. He came very close to falling off the ladder. His father witnessed the whole thing and told him he had better go ask her out before it was too late. Those wonderful words of wisdom led our dad to meet our mom, Christine Jeanette Hill.

Kevin and Christine were married on January 1, 1979. Together, they were blessed with three children, whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his wife, Christine, and their children, from eldest to youngest: his sons, Jake James Welker and Nicholas Leigh Welker, and his daughter, Randi Marie Welker.

Like many families, there was always a balance of ups and downs, but our dad made sure we were well taken care of. He had a strong passion for hunting, fishing, and everything related to the Wild West. He took his sons hunting and his daughter trucking, creating memories that will remain with them forever.

Kevin worked as both a truck driver and a big-rig tow truck driver, earning great respect and recognition for his skill and dedication. Even with the demands of life on the road, he always made time for his family and friends whenever they needed him.

Kevin, along with his brothers and sister, passed down skills, knowledge, and tools that our family continues to share with great pride today. We honor our father today and always with the utmost gratitude for everything he taught us, everything he gave us, and the memories he leaves behind.

Kevin is also survived by his brother, Mark Ray Welker, and his beloved grandchildren.

Through his son Jake, he was blessed with two grandchildren: Kyle Ezra Welker and Makayla Marie Welker.

Through his son Nicholas, he was blessed with five grandchildren: Leighna Alexandra Welker, Nicholas Leigh “Bubba” Welker Jr., Robyn Marie Welker, Chance Grant Welker, and Kade James Welker.

Through his daughter Randi, he was blessed with five grandchildren: Jadon Joseph Rivkin, Daniel Jordan Rivkin, Zane Kal-El Rivkin, Zachariah Isaac Rivkin, and Sonja Rae Rivkin.

Along with his immediate family, Kevin will be remembered and honored by many other relatives and friends, all of whom he considered family.

Kevin will be cremated, and his ashes will be shared among his wife and children so that each may continue to honor and carry him with them. His ashes will travel from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, a fitting tribute to a man whose life, memories, and spirit reached so many places and so many people.

We love you, Dad. Thank you for everything you gave us, everything you taught us, and every memory you left behind.

Rest in peace.