SR1353 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1353 LRB102 29895 ECR 42069 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Victor Welton, who passed away on December 1, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Richard Welton was born to Victor and Wanda (Wassell) Welton in Richfield on September 17, 1939; soon after graduating from Manual Training High School, he received orders to report to the Marine Corps Commandant in Washington, D.C. on June 18, 1957; he entered the U.S. Marine Corps at the rank of sergeant and was chosen to play in the President's U.S. Marine Band, becoming the band's youngest musician; he was especially proud of the many opportunities to play for state dinners at the White House; he entertained both foreign and domestic diplomats and even played at John F. Kennedy's inauguration; he married Marilyn Smith on September 14, 1963; and

WHEREAS, After his service, Richard Welton returned to Peoria and obtained his master barber license; he continued to barber throughout the time he worked at Keystone and Pabst; and

WHEREAS, Richard Welton was an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and pianist; he played in his own band, the Midas Touch, as well as in the Peoria Municipal Band, the Bill Hardesty brass, and the Chuck Cunningham Band and at the Heart of Illinois Fair; he also served as the choir director at Grace United Methodist Church for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, In his free time, Richard Welton enjoyed tinkering with cars and supporting his children and grandchildren by attending their sporting events and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Richard Welton was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother; and two grandchildren, Daniel James Welton and Noah Nathaniel Welton; and

WHEREAS, Richard Welton is survived by his children, Richard Todd (Diane) Welton, Teresa Welton, Tammy (James) Zachman, and Tony Welton; his grandchildren, Drew (Christie) Zachman, Shawnie Zachman, Brice (Esther) Welton, James (Rebecca) Welton, Payton Welton, and Isabella Welton; his great-grandchildren, Lexi, Kylee, Tana, and Noelle; his half sister, Kethear Ray; his sister-in-law, Carol Smith; his brother-in-law, Buck Smith; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard Victor Welton and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Richard Welton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.