Richard T. Welsh

Richard Thomas Welsh, 95, of the Fountains of Melbourne, Florida went to be with his Savior on August 3, 2023. He was born December 20, 1927 to Ralph and Marie Welsh of Little Grant, Wisconsin. He had 6 brothers and 2 sisters. He was raised on a farm in Little Grant, Wisconsin. As a young boy, he was active in the 4-H club and FAA. After Highschool, he attended the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Institute of Electronics. In 1950 he was drafted into the Army, became a paratrooper and served in the Korean war.

After returning from the war, Richard married Margie Draves, on June 27, 1953. They raised 5 children and have been blessed with 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

For 39 years, Richard made an outstanding contribution to the Aerospace industry. He started his career with McDonnel Aircraft Corporation working on the F-101 Voodoo fighter aircraft , F-4 Phantom, the "First Man in Space" program, the launch team for Project Mercury, the Gemini program, the Dragon Tactical Missile Program, the Sky-Lab project in Florida, and the Shuttle program at the Johnson Space Center. After 30 years he retired in 1994 and moved to Melbourne, Florida in 2001.

Family was important to Richard. He was a loving son, brother,cousin,husband,father,uncle,grandfather, and great-grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, five children Kaye Whitson; Kim (Gina) Welsh; Kristi (Paul) Jensen; Kara DeGanna; Kendall (Kathy) Welsh ;12 grandchildren and 18 Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ruth(Arnie) Beckius, sister-in-laws Marilyn Welsh and Patrician Bauer, as well as many nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marie Welsh, Sister Kathleen Paxton (Harold Shaw/ Richard Paxton), Brothers Wilbur Welsh, Walter Welsh, Stanley Welsh, Glen (Eileen) Welsh, Keith ( Betty) Welsh, Earl (Donna) Welsh.

Richard left footprints on the hearts of everyone who knew him.

A memorial service for Richard will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Chapel, 2955 Minton Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904.

In Lieu of flowers a donation may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org) memorial donation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Welsh family.