Rawnell L. Welsh, Sr.

Rawnell L. Welsh, Sr.

Life-Long Roofer –

Rawnell L. Welsh, Sr., age 76, of Mechanicsburg, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.  Rawnell was born on Wednesday, July 30, 1941 in Carlisle, to the late Louis R. Welsh and Dora G. (Duncan) Welsh.  Rawnell was the widower of Sylvia Ann (Miller) Welsh, whom he married on August 1, 1964, and who died on August 7, 2015.  In addition to his parents and wife, Rawnell is preceded in death by several of his brothers and sisters.

Rawnell’s survivors include his son, Rawnell “Rawnie” L. Welsh, Jr. and his fiancé, Lori Ann Himes, of Camp Hill; his two stepchildren: Vicki McDade and her husband, Joseph, of Dillsburg, Mark Biggs and his wife, Melinda, of Mechanicsburg; his granddaughter, Tia Welsh and her fiancé, Rob Diehl, and their daughters: Adison and Kiersten, of Dillsburg; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and numerous siblings.

Rawnell began his adult life by serving his country for four years in the United States Army with much of that time spent stationed in Germany.  Following his time in the Army, he worked as a bridge builder and then in roofing and siding.  Rawnell worked at Kitzmiller Roofing in Lemoyne for over 20 years, at Ewing Roofing and Siding Company in Carlisle, at Houck in Harrisburg, NRC Roofing Company in Harrisburg, and R. L. Welsh Roofing and Siding in Mechanicsburg which he and his son founded, owned and operated.  He also owned numerous residential properties in Harrisburg over the years.  Rawnell was an avid fan of the Eagles, the Phillies, and the Flyers.  He enjoyed old cars and motorcycles and spent many hours toiling in his home garden and tending his grapes which were used to create his homemade wine which he began making in 1972.  Above all, Rawnell loved spending time with his great granddaughters and spoiling them at every turn.

All are welcome to join Rawnell’s family at his viewing on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. until time of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. and a committal ceremony with military honors at 3:30 p.m. all at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, with Celebrant George Spangler celebrating.  Burial in Mechanicsburg Cemetery will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Robert Diehl, Jeffrey Varner, Bob Welsh, and Rawnell Welsh, Jr.

Contributions in celebration of Rawnell’s life can be made to Hospice for All Seasons, 2741 Paxton Street #200, Harrisburg, PA 17111.

Rawnell’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Rawnell’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.