Kenneth Wellman, age 71, of Portland, Indiana passed away peacefully on December 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 fifteen 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 the "shitheads" 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), 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 is 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 December 6th at 3:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Ransom presiding.  Burial will be in Green Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 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.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com