DALLAS — Welton Grant Farrar, 95, Dallas, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Born in West Newbury, Mass., he was the son of the late Edward and Hazel Neily Farrar and was a graduate of Groveland High School, Mass. He earned his degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. He continued his education at Harvard and Cornell. Welton was a beloved Professor of Economics at Wilkes University for over 40 years.
He was a member of the Dallas United Methodist Church and was a veteran of the Navy, serving during World War II. He was also a member of George M. Dallas Lodge 531, F&AM, lifetime member Irem Shrine, Disabled American Veterans and American Contract Bridge League.
Welton was an avid supporter of Wilkes athletics, a longtime fixture at football, basketball and wrestling events, and was elected to the Wilkes Athletics Hall of Fame. He was an expert bridge player and made many friends at the bridge table who meant so much to him. Welton was also an avid Boston Red Sox fan and a proud member of Red Sox nation.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Esther Shoulsen, in 1986; and second wife, the former Elizabeth Havey, in 2002. Surviving are his daughters, Penny DeLaughter, and husband Archie, of Hilton Head, S.C., and Linda Pendleton, of Ledyard, Conn.; sons Stephen and wife Colleen, of Cary, N.C., and Edward and wife Nancy, of Fort Worth, Texas; and sister Dawn Ayer, of Hampton, N.H. Our family is eternally grateful to Betty Doherty for her care, love and companionship over the last years of Welton’s life. In addition, numerous nieces and nephews have fond memories of Uncle Welton.
Welton was especially proud of his 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Welton was truly a one-of-a-kind individual, and he possessed a phenomenal memory which never ceased to amaze his family and friends. More importantly, he was eternally optimistic and this he cheerfully shared with all to whom he came into contact. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Family and friends are invited to an informal celebration of life gathering from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at Irem Country Club, 64 Ridgway Dr., Dallas, PA 18612. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to Wilkes Athletics in Welton’s honor.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Richard H. Disque Funeral Home Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with wife Esther at a date to be determined.