Michael Fleming Welty

Published 5:04 pm Monday, February 14, 2011

Michael Fleming “Mickey” Welty, 75 of Fairmont passed away February 11, 2011 in his home, surrounded by his wife, children, and other loved ones.  He was born November 17, 1935 in Bellview, WV, son of the late Charles “Chuck” and Virginia Wisman Welty.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike (Mickey) Welty retired from the United States Marine Corps serving from 1957 to 1978.  He held various positions during his 21 year career, with the highlights being a Rifle Platoon Leader, 81 Millimeter Mortar Platoon Leader, Commanding Officer of F Company 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Vietnam, and Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.

He was born and raised in Marion County, graduated from St. Peter’s High School where he was chosen for All County and All State Basketball in 1953.  He was a graduate of Fairmont State University prior to entering the Marine Corps and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Central Michigan University while in the service.

Mickey belonged to St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church and was a member of the VFW Post 629, Fairmont Field Club, Fairmont City Council, the Elks Club of Fairmont, Fairmont General Board of Directors, TBI Fraternity, and Fairmont State College Letterman’s Assoc.  He was a Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian, President of the Marion County Board of Education, Executive Director of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of WesBanco.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, James Oscar “Tip” Colley, Jr. and two nieces, Anise Johnston and Colley Telfair.

He is survived by his wife Leah (Colley) Welty and four children:  Wendy Fetsko and husband Tom of Morgantown, Samuel Welty and wife Christine of Avon, OH, Annette Neuman and husband Rob of Atlanta, GA, and Michele Welty of Fairmont.  Also surviving are brothers:  Carl Frederick “Fritz” Welty and wife Dorothy of Greensburg, PA, Terrance Braden Welty of Arnold, MD, Joseph Welty and wife Diana of Monongah, Mark Welty and wife Erin of Davidson, NC; one sister: Joan Welty Scott and husband William of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren:  Scott Fetsko, Mark Fetsko, Mary Welty, Samuel Welty II, and Emily Welty; one aunt:  Jean Robinette Toothman of Fairview; one uncle:  James Robinette of Barrackville; mother-in-law Annette “Lummie” Colley of Troy, AL; brothers-in-law: James Oscar Colley, III and wife Patsy of Troy, AL; Jere Colley and wife Judy of Opelika, AL; sisters-in-law: Helen Johnston and husband Larry of Troy, AL; Carla Telfair and husband Ed of Troy, AL; nieces:  Janet Lawson and husband Jeff, Jean McFarland, Jennifer Scott, Stephanie Sykes and husband Russ, Debbie Van den Berg and husband Rick, Amy Cobasky and husband Bill, Amanda Welty, Tricia Colley, Cathy Colley, Leah Dickens and husband Anthony, Casey Stewart and husband Heath, Tipi Miller and husband Wesley; nephews:  Steven Welty and wife Jan, Paul Welty and wife Deb, Curt Scott and wife Lisa, Mike Scott and wife Sabrina, Kevin Welty and Beth Hunnell, James Emory “Sam” Johnston and wife Frances, Lawrence Johnston and wife Ashley, William Johnston, Ted Telfair and wife Stephanie, Jere Colley, Jr. and wife Sarah.

Mickey’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Amedisys Hospice Services and Right at Home home-health services.

Friends and family may call at Domico Funeral Home 414 Gaston Ave. in Fairmont from 4:00 to 7:00 Sunday and 12:00 to 8:00 Monday with a Vigil service being held at 6:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00 am at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church with Father Robert Perriello as Celebrant.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fairmont.  The Marion County Veteran’s Council will perform Full Military Rites at the graveside. Pall Bearers will include: Samuel Welty, Samuel Welty II, Tom Fetsko, Scott Fetsko, Rob Neuman, Kevin Welty, and Honorary Pall Bearer Mark Fetsko.

In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to St. Barbara’s Nursing Home, P.O. Box 9066, Monongah, WV 26554-9066 or United Way of Marion County, 112 Adams St. #205 Fairmont, WV 26554-2832.  Condolences may be sent to the family on line at domicofhinc@aol.com.