Robert Leonard Welky

Bob was born on February 24, 1921, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1927. He graduated from Lutheran Parochial School as salutatorian, and attended West Division High School, Milwaukee- graduating in 1940.

Bob enlisted in the military and spent five years in The United States Air Force, serving two years in England with the Eighth Air Force. He returned in 1944 and was selected to participate in the Seventh War Loan Drive ferrying B-24 Liberator Bombers to mid-western cities selling war bonds. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1945.

His greatest joy was his family and his church.

He married Mildred Depperman, October 15th, 1944 in Leslie, Missouri. In 1945, they took up residence in St. Louis, Missouri where he became a salesman in the kitchen and bath industry, remaining there in that profession until 1958. During this time, his family grew to include three children. In 1958, the family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he started his own kitchen remodeling business. In 1960 he became a Certified Kitchen Designer for the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers, and was elected the first president of the local chapter. He continued to work full time in the kitchen business until his retirement in 1985. After his official retirement, he continued to work in the field for eleven years.

Bob was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod for 48 years until it merged with Peace Lutheran to become Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church. While at Grace, he served in many capacities including Treasurer, President, and Chairman of the Board of Elders. He served as a church elder for many years.

Bob was actively involved with the Boy Scouts for many years. He served as an assistant scout master, troop committee chairman, and a commissioner of the suburban District St. Louis Council. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and was awarded the Scouter’s Key and the Scouter’s Award. He continued to be interested in scouting his entire life and actively supported three of his grandsons to their Eagle Badges.

He was an ardent stamp collector since the age of eight. He was an active member and President of the Oakland Park Stamp Club and member of the Fort Lauderdale Stamp Club. He was also an active member of the Hollywood Stamp Club for 38 years. While a member he served five years as President and was on the board of directors for 38 years.

He inaugurated and chaired the first American Philatelic Society World Series of Philately Exhibition in 1980 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was a lifetime member of the American Philatelic Society and served as a national Philatelic judge. He was granted the status of Judge Emeritus in his later years.

He is survived by Mildred, his loving wife of 67 years; his children Ashley Walsh Buie of Fort Lauderdale; Barbara Goodloe of Charlotte NC, and his son and daughter-in-law Edwin and Cheryl Welky of Indianapolis. Survivors also include his six grandchildren- Joseph, Philip, Robert, Jeffrey, Robbie and Stephanie; nine great-grand children, and his brothers Emmett Welky of Wisconsin and Jack Welky of Missouri.

Condolences may be sent to Mildred at 5512 Carmel Place, Charlotte, NC.28226. Memorials may be made to Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church, 1901 E. Commercial Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33308 and Hospice- Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.