John C. 'Jack' Welday, 90, owner and operator of the Welday's Apple Orchard in Smithfield, Ohio passed away Tuesday April 1, 2008 in Trinity Med. Center West. Jack was born May 28, 1917 in Smithfield, son of the late Wheeler and Dorothy (Schakleford) Welday. Jack was known to the community as 'Apple Jack,' worked with his dad, Wheeler in the orchard that was in the family for many years. In 1973, he took over part of the orchard, as a pick-your-own operation, and expanded it with products and ready-picked fruit until it tripled in size. Welday took part in the annual Smithfield Apple Festival, having an apple stand and playing Johnny Appleseed in the parade and handing out apples. He was a member of the Steubenville Rotary Club, the Ohio Horticulture Society, Smithfield Historical Society, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Smithfield Methodist Church, Smithfield American Legion Post #396 and the Bay Village American Legion, Dillionvale Eagles and VFW 5945. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army Air Corps. as a First Lt., navigator and co-pilot. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth 'Conay' Johnson and his brother, Chapline 'Chap' Welday. Jack is survived by his wife, Laurelie (Fox) Welday of home; daughter Joan and her husband Pat Spoerndale of Medina, OH, daughter Virginia Welday of Chicago, IL; stepdaughter Melinda and her husband David Uschold of Lakewood, Oh, stepson Jim and his wife Jeanette Flood also of Lakewood; one sister, Elva Newdome of Mansfield, OH. Jack is also survived by 9 grandchildren. Visitation for Jack will be held Friday, April 4 from 6-8pm and also Saturday, April 5 from 10-12pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield, OH. Jack's funeral service will be held Saturday at 12pm with the Rev. Ed Gardner officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Northern Cemetery, Smithfield. Military Honors will be provided by the Smithfield American Legion Post # 396. Donations in Jack's memory may be sent to Smithfield Methodist Church, 144 High St., Smithfield, OH 43948. For condolences online visit www.jefosterfh.com
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