Richard K. Welker

Richard K Welker, 82, of Monticello, passed away at on Friday, February 16, 2024 at his residence.

He was born on March 12, 1941 in Yeoman to the late Louis and Marjorie (Scales) Welker. He married the former Susan Kelley on October 27, 1968 in Headlee at the White Oak Church.  She survives.

Richard was a graduate of Monticello High School, Class of 1959 where he participated in Football and Track. He served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962. 

His favorite jobs were Red’s Bait Shop in Norway, NIPSCO lineman, and Tribbett Electric.

He started work at the age of 9 to pay for school clothes and other necessities, but he never fully retired. He was still planning projects even as his health failed. He loved being outdoors and realized his dream of becoming a farmer. He farmed the land and raised hogs for many years. In 2018, he left the Headlee Metro area and returned to Monticello on Lake Freeman. He was supposed to retire and fish. However, he decided to spend his time remodeling the house to make it perfect. 

He is survived by Susan his wife of 55 years. Together, they had 3 children, Kelly (Oliver Meyer) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Holly of Madeira Beach, Florida, and Jeff (Amy) of Idaville. Richard enjoyed his grandchildren Haleigh and Russell of Idaville. He is also survived by Sharon Wiseman (sister) and Ron and Deb Welker (brother). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Linda and Tom Brown (sister), Sandra and Dennis Randall (sister) and Paul Wiseman (brother in law). 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home.  A time of sharing will be at 7pm, Wednesday at the funeral home.

Graveside Services will be at 11 am, Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Indian Creek Cemetery with military rites rendered there.

Memorials donations may be made to the White County 4-H to benefit the swine barn or the Happy Tails. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com