Colonel Paul Thomas Welch

December 09, 1945 – February 10, 2022

Colonel Paul Thomas Welch, 76, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022. He was a resident of Greenwood, Indiana.

He was born December 9, 1945 in Boston, MA to Paul Edward Welch and Margaret (Ennis) Welch. Survivors include his wife, Christine (Maxwell) Welch of Greenwood; two sons, Jeffrey Paul (Charity) Welch of Greenwood and Eric Christopher (Anna) Welch of Beavercreek, Ohio; one brother, Thomas Michael Welch of Little Falls, NY; and five grandchildren, Amelia “Emmy”, Laurencia, Maxwell, Audrey, and Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Kathleen Bernstein.

Paul proudly served his country for more than 28 years in the United States Air Force attaining the rank of Colonel at the age of 41. During his time in the Air Force, Paul participated in the Vietnam Conflict, was mobilized in response to the assassination of Congressman Leo Ryan and the Jonestown Massacre in Jonestown, Guyana and was instrumental in the coordination of the first Trans-Atlantic Ferry of H-53 Helicopters. Paul’s final assignment was as the Dean of the School of Systems and Logistics at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.

Paul was highly decorated receiving, among other commendations, the United States Air Force’s Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal with an unprecedented seven devices. Paul received an Honorable Discharge and retired from the United States Air Force on October 31, 1995. Following his retirement, Paul continued his work as an executive in the aerospace industry.

While Paul had many hobbies including pampering his Porsche, playing golf, and attending Pacers’ games, he only had one true passion; his wife of 53 years, Christine. Paul enjoyed nothing more than planning his next vacation with his wife. Exotic locations weren’t important, extravagant adventures were fine, beautiful weather was preferred, but to Paul, there was only one requirement for the perfect vacation, time with Christine. Paul was a loving father who instilled in his sons, Jeffrey and Eric, the importance of honesty, integrity and an unqualified devotion to the family. As a testament to a life well lived, Paul was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed.

Calling will take place from 11 AM-12 PM CST, Monday, February 14, at Mound Cemetery, 1275 W. State Street, Charleston, Illinois. A service with military honors will take place to follow at 12 PM CST.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047, or online at www.lbda.org/donate/

You are invited to read Colonel Welch’s online obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the online register book or leave a condolence for the family.

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

Published by Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory – Greenwood Chapel from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2022.