John “Jack” Richard Welling, Sr., 85, of Wooster, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Born on November 4, 1940, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, Jack was the son of John O. Welling and Ruth Blacka Welling. On July 15, 1961, he married his sweetheart, Dianne Miller, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly 65 years.
Jack retired after a long career as an account representative with Campbell Oil. Outside of work, he devoted himself to the passions that brought him joy throughout his life. For more than 65 years, he raised and raced pigeons. In his retirement, Jack authored a book on the sport to share his knowledge and experiences with future generations of fanciers.
Pigeon racing was truly a family affair. Family members learned the unique traditions and techniques that Jack perfected over decades, including exercising the birds by tossing a weighted sock into the air to keep them flying and using the special whistle that called them home to the loft. Countless miles were traveled transporting birds to release points hundreds of miles away and patiently waiting for them to race home. Over the years, Jack established an impressive winning record in the sport.
Jack was also an avid deer hunter and an enthusiast of Black & Tan coonhounds. He raised and trained several champion hounds and enjoyed hunting raccoons both on foot and on muleback.
Jack loved tinkering around the family hobby farm, staying busy, and spending time with his family. His children and grandchildren were introduced at an early age to training pigeons, raising hounds, and sharing in the many colorful hobbies that brought him so much enjoyment. Through his many years of pigeon racing and hunting, he formed countless friendships that he treasured deeply.
He was a former member of the Killbuck Valley Sportsman Club, the Black & Tan Association, and several pigeon racing associations.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne; his children, John Welling, Jr. of Wooster, Eric (Margaret) Welling of Virginia, and Kimberly Welling of Cincinnati; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, Thomas Welling of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ruthann Triplett; and his sister-in-law, Jean Welling.
Private family services will be held, with interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers of Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare for the exceptional compassion and care they provided during Jack’s final days. They would also like to thank the many lifelong friends Jack made through pigeon racing and hunting for their friendship, support, and camaraderie over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Arrangements are being handled by McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
I spent many night coon hunting with Jack. He will be missed by many people. Connie and I miss the good times we had with Jack and Dianne.
Condolences to the family
Dianne and family. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Prayers for you all. Dianne you were so kind to come to moms calling hours, it meant a lot. Now that you’re going through it I pray you feel everyone’s love surrounding you in thoughts and prayers. Please say a little hello to Eric and pass along my condolences. May his memories bring you all comfort when needed.
Dianne, I wish you peace as you grieve. You and your family are in my thoughts. All my love.
I worked with Jack at Campbell Oil.
Jack was a great guy and he’ll be miised.
My thoughts and prayers to all the family members for your loss.
John, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish I had known him and his pigeon interest. I grew up with 2 uncles who raised pigeons. We. Hope you saw the 60 minutes episode on pigeons.
Take care. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane, praying for you and your family.
Dearest Dianne~sending you warm hugs at this heartbreaking time. May God comfort you in the loss of your longtime companion with whom you shared so much. You know your Red Hat friends will be holding you up in the future.
Dianne, my dancing friend, so sorry for this sudden loss of Jack. Condolences to you and your family. All my love and lots of hugs and prayers coming your way!
Dianne, Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. Much love and many hugs for you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear of this Dianne. I am thinking of you. I know that you can handle this, but it is a long road. Hang in there kiddo as you adjust to a different life.
Jack “Pop” was a Good, Honest, Hardworking Man! I think of him often and the Many Good Times We Shared! There was always laughter, usually at my expense, and fun times. He taught me a lot! Rest in Peace Pop! You’re already missed!
Diane, Kim, John, Eric, & Family, God Bless & Peace to All of You!
Charlie
The family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I always enjoyed talking mules and coon hounds with Jack. He was always helpful in mentoring me with questions I had as a beginner! Rest in peace and thank you for all you left with us.
So sorry to hear this. You are in my prayers. Do stop in anytime as I am here for you.