Richard Victor Welton, age 83, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at River Crossing in East Peoria. He was born on September 17, 1939 in Richfield to Victor and Wanda (Wassell) Welton. He married Marilyn Smith on September 14, 1963; she preceded him in death on December 31, 2016.
He is survived by his children, Richard Todd (Diane) Welton, Teresa Welton, Tammy (James) Zachman, and Tony Welton; six grandchildren, Drew (Christie) Zachman, Shawnie Zachman, Brice (Esther) Welton, James (Rebecca) Welton, Payton Welton, and Isabella Welton; three great grandchildren, Lexi, Kylee, Tana, and Noelle; half-sister, Kethear Ray; sister-in-law, Carol Smith; brother-in-law, Buck Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two grandchildren, Daniel James Welton and Noah Nathaniel Welton.
Soon after graduating from Manual Training High School, he received orders to report on June 18, 1957 to the Marine Corps Commandant in Washington DC and was chosen to play in the President’s Marine Corps band. With his enlistment, he became the youngest musician to play in that band. He entered the Marine Corps at the rank of Sargent. During his time of enlistment, he served under President’s Eisenhower and Kennedy. He was especially proud of the many opportunities to play for state dinners at the White House, entertaining both foreign and domestic diplomats, even playing at John F Kennedy’s inauguration.
Upon returning home to Peoria Illinois, he obtained his masters barber license and continued to practice throughout his time also working at Keystone and Pabst. Richard was blessed with many talents. He was an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and pianist. His local music accomplishments included his own band, the Midas Touch as well as the Peoria Municipal Band, Heart of Illinois Fair, the Bill Hardesty brass and the Chuck Cunningham Band. He was the choir director at Grace United Methodist Church for 25 years.
In his free time, Richard enjoyed tinkering with cars but most of all he loved attending sporting events and other activities supporting his kids and grandkids.
The family would like to thank the staff of River Crossing of East Peoria, Transitions Hospice, Grand Regency of Peoria, the nursing staff, especially Rosie Collins and Christy Delaware.
A visitation for Richard will be held Monday, December 5, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel, 1203 W Garfield Ave, Bartonville, Illinois 61607. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Memorials may be made to the friends of Bartonville fire department.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com for the Welton family.
DONATIONS
Friends of Bartonville Fire Department
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17