Richard L. Welty NEEDHAM

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By Staff Reports -Richard L. Welty, 84, of Needham who “Was born to be a Farmer” passed away Friday, June 12, 2020, at Greenwood Village South. Richard was born in Morgan County in Hall, IN to Delmas and Evelyn (York) Welty on November 2, 1935.

He graduated from Monrovia High School and attended Purdue University before enlisting in the United States Army. He served in Germany from September 11, 1954 to August 6, 1956. He returned to Purdue and took all Senior Agriculture classes. He then returned to Hall, IN and started his farming career.

He married Mary Caroline (Taylor) in December 1959, settling in the Boggstown area. Together they had four children: David (Shelle) Welty of Malibu, CA; Sara (Greg) Robards of Needham; Keith (Valerie) Welty of Parkville, MO; and Todd (Tracey) Welty of Nineveh, IN. He built his business to include Pioneer seed sales, seed corn production, a hog operation, and crop farming. His wife, Caroline, passed November 28, 1981.

He married Marlene (Dougherty) Robards in March 1986 and became the beloved father to Lori Robards Bowman of New Whiteland, IN; Gregory (Sara) Robards of Needham; Gary (Marla) Robards of Indianapolis, and Beth (Thomas) Tharpe of Trafalgar. Over the next several years, they were blessed with 20 grandchildren: Nick (Laura) Bowman, Geoffrey Bowman, Samantha (Jon) Ensign, Gretchen Robards, Taylor (Lauren) Robards, Austin Welty, Alyssa Welty, Hudson Welty, Ryan Welty, Annika Welty, Jordan Welty, Faith Welty, Shelden Welty, Grant Welty, Elaina Robards, Quinn Robards, Clayton Robards, Riley (Paige) Tharpe, Gabrielle Tharpe, and Eliza Tharpe; and 2 great-grandchildren, Adrienne and Sonny Bowman.

Richard is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marlene; son, Keith; four step-children; his sister, Marianne (Robert) Berlin of Avon, IN; two nephews, Aaron (Kate) Berlin of Wilmette, IL and Thomas (Allison) Berlin of Roseville, MN; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Caroline, and children, David in 2000, Todd in 2014 and Sara in 2018.

Richard was a long time member of Rocklane Christian Church and served the Lord in many ways there. He served his community in several ways as well, including serving on the Triton School Board, Shelby County Co-op Board and Rocklane Cemetery Board.

Richard’s family and friends will most remember him for his strong work ethic, his love of the land, and his perseverance through life’s trials without complaint. He was a man who loved farming and shared his passion and his appreciation for God’s creation with all his kids and grandkids. He modeled faith in God to us all and touched many lives with his generosity.

Those wishing to pay respects may do so at Rocklane Christian Church on Friday, June 19, 2020 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday from 10-11 a.m., where appropriate social distancing and health precautions will be strongly encouraged. A service will be conducted at the Church on Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Rocklane Cemetery. Donations may be made to Rocklane Christian Church Building Fund, 4430 Rocklane Road, Greenwood, IN 46143.

Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.

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