Atwood L. Welker Jr., 1937-2024: A Lifetime of Contributions to the Region’s Infrastructure | News, Sports, Employment

Throughout Atwood L. Welker Jr.’s life, he devoted time to his family and to the betterment of the community. His life is a testimony that hard work can yield the most satisfying results.

The Shamokin native’s 87 years on earth were filled with countless accomplishments. He used his solid engineering knowledge to improve the region’s roads, highways and bridges. Even in retirement, he offered his vision to continue improving local infrastructure.

His daughter, Judy Frick, and son-in-law, Ron Frick, of Loyalsock Township, described him as supportive, intelligent and reliable.

“He was always involved with the kids” said Judy Frick. “Whenever they needed help with something or had a sporting event, he was there.”

He took many driving lessons with his eldest son, Matthew Frick. In addition to learning how to make a three-point swing, Welker passed on his gift of engineering.

“The only tears I saw from him were when Matthew Frick graduated in 2008 with a degree in civil engineering from Pennsylvania State University.” Ron Frick wrote in an email.

His grandson followed in his footsteps to have a successful career as a civil engineer.

“His legacy will undoubtedly live on in his grandchildren who both loved him immensely,” he wrote

Like his son-in-law, he saw Welker as one “uniform” man, who was proud of his work and home. He was passionate about his garden which would be blooming with flowers and vegetables. He was the only person he has known who was able to grow asparagus successfully, he said.

Welker was married to his wife Betty Lou for 60 years. He was an avid New York Yankees and Penn State University football fan.

PennDOT

After graduating from Lehigh University, Welker was hired as an assistant civil engineer at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He worked for the department for more than 30 years, without missing a day, according to Judy Frick.

“I remember every trip we took, if there was road construction, we would detour to ride on the road,” she said Despite his children’s protests, he would lead them to places and then turn to go back on his way.

He was proud of their work and shared stories about the projects they powered.

In the department, his desk was next to fellow engineer Paul Heist of Hughesville. The pair worked together throughout Welker’s PennDOT career.

They came together when Interstate 80 was built in the early 1960s, Heist said. There were only a handful of engineers on staff, so their knowledge and input were essential to the project’s success.

“He pushed to really move forward with new ideas for the department,” he said “He could assess things quickly and pull the trigger at the right time. We accomplished a lot.”

Welker was involved in bridge innovations and highway improvements during his career.

Neither could have predicted the tragic floods of 1972 and 1975 that would ravage the region. As young managers at the time, they were very stressed trying to repair the damage, he said.

“It was a critical period when we worked together to rebuild the bridges, so people could get back into their homes.” Heist said.

In their later years, they worked on the creation of Route 15 and the ring road. When working on massive projects like these, there are many parties involved in the process. Welker communicated effectively with these groups in order to get the job done right.

“He negotiated with the public and the contractors. You don’t get (projects) done without involving them all. He was able to handle it well,” he said

Welker was recognized for his distinguished service by former Gov. Robert Casey when he retired in 1990, Ron Frick said in a Facebook post.

Serving the Township of Loyalsock

After his retirement from PennDOT, he was the first town manager of Loyalsock Township. At the time, the township needed extra hands to manage the day-to-day operations of the community, said Bill Burdett, Loyalsock Township Manager.

Welker’s civil engineering background was a real asset to the township. Its impact is still felt today by current residents.

When it was incorporated into the municipality in 1990, there were many dirt and gravel roads, especially in the more rural areas.

“His goal was to pave all the streets in the municipality” Burdett said. “By the end of their 10-plus years, they managed to pave all but one mile of those roads.”

Another major project he executed was numerous sewer extensions in developing areas. New homes were being built on Warrensville Road, Bloomingrove Road and the Heshbon area that needed access to township sewers.

After his second retirement, Burdett said he volunteered on the building code appeals board.

Loyalsock Township Supervisor Paul Nyman delivered mail at the township building for five years during his career with the United States Postal Service. He knew Welker during that time and got to know him during their regular interactions.

Nyman said Welker enjoyed giving back to the township while an employee and in retirement.

“He was always interested in the Faxon Circle garden since he lived right down the street.” he said “I was always working in the garden. I saw him there weeding often.

Whether it was a big project or improving his own neighborhood, Welker showed his love for the township.

Making a difference

Along with his professional life, Welker was an avid volunteer. He used his knowledge as a civil engineer to improve the lives of community members. He became involved in various organizations where his talents were used.

He served on the board of directors of the Lycoming County United Way and was chairman of the building and grounds committee.

In 2008, he received its highest honor, the Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award. According to the organization’s website, “The award is presented to individuals whose exceptional dedication, commitment and leadership have made a significant contribution to the well-being of Lycoming County.”

Ron Frick appointed him, having seen his hard work first hand.

He wrote in the nomination letter: “I believe that Welker has not only had a distinguished career, but has also been a role model for many. Even in retirement, he has distinguished himself as a selfless, behind-the-scenes community volunteer.”

Welker was instrumental when the agency moved to the former J. George Becht Elementary School in 2006.

“He and a few others did all the interior renovations voluntarily,” he said Anything that needed fixing, he took care of it.

He also served on the Lycoming County Airport Authority board for 17 years; donated gallons of blood to the American Red Cross; served the American Society of Highway Engineers as local chapter treasurer and national president; was a community advisor for Leadership Lycoming; participated in the creation of the Williamsport Food Pantry which eventually became the local branch of the Central PA Food Bank; and a member of the transportation committee of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.