Kenneth Wellman

Kenneth Wellman, age 71, of Portland, passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. 

Born on June 17, 1954, he lived a life marked by hard work, generosity and unwavering devotion to those he cared about. 

Anyone who knew him knew he had a gift for making people feel welcome. He had a steady, calming presence and a heart that showed up for others long before he was ever asked. 

He was a dedicated worker. He worked at Sheller-Globe, was a police officer for the Portland Police Department retiring in 2001, served as superintendent of the Jay County Highway Department for 15 years, worked at Hy-Line Hatchery and spent countless hours on the family farm. After retirement, he kept himself busy working for Central Gases. 

Outside of work he could be found golfing, helping out his neighbors, playing cards, and hanging with friends on Wednesday nights — a weekly gathering he loved. But nothing meant more to him than time spent with family. 

He was a loving husband of 42 years to Karen Wellman, and a devoted father to Amy Dillon of Portland (husband: Craig), Kelly Sproba of Bend, Oregon (husband: Judd), Andrew Wellman of Portland (wife: Lisa) and Kyle Wellman of Redkey (fiance: Jessica Pitman). His greatest title was Papa and he was the very best to Hanna, Maggie and Garret Dillon, Isabel, Lucas, Caleb and Axel Sproba, Makenna and Daxton Wellman, Milo Wellman, and Jacen and Ava Dame who will forever miss him.

He also leaves behind his beloved siblings Tom Wellman of New Palestine (wife: Mary Lou), Ed Wellman of Bryant (wife: Linda), Patty Price of Decatur (husband: Kevin) and Rick Wellman of Selma (wife: Becky); sister-in-law Melissa Franks of Portland (husband: Curt); many nieces and nephews; and some very special friends who were like family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Richard Wellman; sisters Becky, Connie and Kathy; and brother Tim, who no doubt greeted him at Heaven’s gates with open arms, plenty of love and a good laugh. 

Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Ransom presiding. Burial will be in Green Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Jay County Cancer Society.

A celebration of life service will also be held at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.