Wellington Noel "Welly" VanHouten , 84, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 7:08 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024, at his home.

Born on January 8, 1940, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was a son of the late Robert Tom and Minnie Alice (Lahr) VanHouten. Growing up in Larwill, he graduated from Larwill High School in 1958. He became a welder and millwright.

In August of 1968, he married Virginia Knecht and had a daughter. They later divorced, and Virginia survives.

Using his trade skills, he worked for the former LML manufacturing in Columbia City, Thompson Agri Builders, and completed his work career at Kilgore Manufacturing, Columbia City. In his retirement, he kept busy with various jobs and ministries for his church.

A faithful and dedicated member of Jehovah's Witness, he attended the Edgewood Kingdom Hall in Fort Wayne. Annually, he participated in the Jehovah's Conference usually held in Toledo, Ohio.

Never knowing a stranger, he was well-known to many in the area. Through the years, he was a regular at the truck stops in Pierceton and Columbia City. After their closure, he became a regular at the local Wendy's. He is remembered for his pet raccoons, especially the albinos he raised. In his younger years, he enjoyed water sports and fishing. He shared his love of the water with his grandkids, teaching them to swim and fish.

Surviving is his daughter, Angela K. (Michael) Poor of Columbia City; grandchildren, Jessica (Jared) Brinkman, Tyler Poor, Bradley (Savanha) Poor, and Elizabeth Poor; great-grandchildren, Ava Moore, Jackson Brinkman, and Briella Poor; and brothers, Robert (Nancy) VanHouten of South Whitley and Virgil VanHouten of Pierceton.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a brother, Larry D. VanHouten.

A visitation is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in "Welly's" honor are to the Edgewood Kingdom Hall, Fort Wayne.