Former Komets Owner David Welker Passes
 
Fort Wayne, IN. --  The Fort Wayne Komets learned Monday that former Komets president, general manager and owner David Welker died Sunday, April 10, at a nursing home in Shreveport, Louisiana, at approximately 11:00pm at the age of 73. 

Welker owned the Komets for three IHL seasons, 1987-88, 1988-89 and 1989-90.

Current Komets general manager and co-owner David Franke served as sales and marketing director for the Komets under Welker during the 1988-89 season.  "David's passing was a shock to all of us," Franke said.  "David kept hockey going in Fort Wayne during a time of difficulty for the organization.  David's heart was in the right place when he owned the Komets.  Unfortunately his exit to Albany, New York was ill fated.  His move to Albany made it possible for the Franke family to take control of the Komet franchise through the transfer of an idle Flint franchise at the time."

Welker's son, Billy Welker, currently works for the CHL's Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs as equipment manager.  "Billy had been David's caretaker since David moved to Shreveport," Franke added.  "Billy can be proud of the caring help he gave his dad until his father's death."

The funeral will be held in Roanoke, Indiana.  Arrangements are pending.