Richard D. Welker , 87, of Bethel, formerly of Pottsville, passed away Sunday August 20, 2023, while in hospice home care in Lancaster, PA, surrounded by the love of family.
Born in Pottsville, December 4, 1935, He was a son of the late Francis E. and Fern Lolita (Traxler) Welker of St. Clair.
He was a 1953 graduate of St. Clair Area High School and graduated from Penn State University in 1962 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Richard D. Welker served in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1954-1957, spending time aboard the submarine SSR-267 USS PomPon and remained active with his boat’s Alumni Association.
He was employed by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Ct; Atlas Chemicals in Mertztown; Goodyear/Reneer Films in Auburn, where he retired in 1991.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church; National Rifle Association; St. Clair American Legion Post #719; Schuylkill Lodge 128 F&AM, Orwigsburg; Rajah Temple of Reading; and Orwigsburg Lions.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Almenia (Evans) Welker in 1998.
Loved by all his children, he is survived by a son Frank E. Welker of Pine Grove; 3 daughters Kimberly A. Heck and her husband Edward D. of West Hempfield Township; daughter Karen S. Pattison husband Steven K of Apex, NC; Kelli R. Shaner and her husband William P. of New Ringgold. He was a beloved Grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of six.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday August 28, 2023 from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street St. Clair, PA 17970 with Pastor Rick Kanter Officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Burial with military honors will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park Garden of the Apostles, Schuylkill Haven.
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A great friend for almost 70 years. Distantly related, my mother was from St.Clair. I first met Dick as a 7th grader. He visited our home in Norfolk, VA when he was stationed aboard the submarine there. As a machinists mate he came with the smell of diesel oil. Our families remained in touch ever since, with multiple visits to Norfolk and PA. HIs interest in the Navy continued and he enjoyed spending time with our son Kevin who is in the Navy. He was unique and irreplaceable. I miss him.
As suggested, a donation has been forwarded to the Wounded Warrior Project.