Douglas Neal Welker of Apopka, Florida passed away due to sudden health complications on December 22, 2023. He was 72. Although his end of life was unexpected, his family will remain forever grateful for the last few days they were able to share with Doug. During this time, they told him he was loved. They gave him hugs, kisses, and more than a few foot rubs (his favorite). And, they got to see him smile again before he departed. 

Doug and his wife, Jacqui, married in a small ceremony in 1975 at his childhood home. They struck out to Florida together in 1988, where they proudly raised their two children while working long careers in flooring and travel, respectively. Outside of his family, Doug had hobbies with which he was intensely involved at various periods throughout his life. As a young adult, he indulged in playing in a band with friends and cruising around Idaho on his Harley Davidsons. Along with his twin brother, Phil, he spent years studying Shotokan karate, where he not only earned a brown belt but participated in multiple special trainings where he showed significant physical endurance in spite of his diabetes. Later on, he and Jacqui enjoyed learning how to scuba dive and exploring the ocean together--Doug was kind enough to always jump in the water first to make sure it was free of sharks for his beloved. In the '90s, he took up tennis after his daughter began playing during high school. He quickly surpassed her in both skill and earnestness for the sport. Doug not only found a group of friends with whom he had the pleasure of playing for many years, he also obtained his certification as a Master Racquet Technician. He meticulously strung racquets for tennis lovers throughout Central Florida. 

Doug spent his childhood in Meridian, Idaho where he was born. He developed type 1 diabetes at age eight, a condition he devoted himself to managing successfully in spite of the many challenges he endured. As a teenager, he worked along with his brothers at his dad's car dealership, Welker Ford. After, he started his career in flooring which he continued until retirement. 

Doug is predeceased by his father, Roger Welker; his mother, Ida Welker; and his sister, Vicki Welker. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; his children (Gina, Evan, and his son-in-law, Josh); five grandchildren (Arianna, Jaden, Gabriella, Logan, and Addison); one great-grandchild (Jhene); and three siblings (Phil, Richard, and Robert). 

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