Dennis Earl Welch

Dennis Earl Welch was born in Stibnite, Idaho on April 25, 1944 to Earl William and Viola (Bader) Welch. Dennis is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda, a daughter, Tama (Trung) Nguyen of Lafayette, CO, a son, Scott (Julie) Welch of Moseley, VA, and three grandchildren, Madison Press, Denny Press, and Annabelle Welch.

From the time he was young and throughout his life, Dennis loved adventures and experiments, testing how things worked and why. He hunted often with his uncles and cousins growing up, leading to many beloved stories. He loved music, his motorcycle, and cars, even building his own 1929 Ford 2-door sedan in high school. Dennis eventually sold the 29 to pay for college.

Dennis entered the ROTC program at the University of Idaho and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in 1967. After graduation he attended several basic courses and the winter phase of the US Army Ranger Course in 1968. He was assigned to the 1/11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. It was soon after he joined the platoon, speaking with the Chaplain, that he professed his faith. He married Linda after returning from Vietnam, and their life together began with an assignment to Germany. He later attended the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, OH, where he received his MS in Logistics Management. After many moves across the country and another tour in Germany, Dennis was assigned to the Pentagon in Northern Virginia in 1986. He attended the Army War College in 1988-89 and served until his retirement in 1992.

Throughout his 25 years of service to his country, Dennis received many awards, chief of which were: the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple heart, Army Commendation w/”V” device, and the Meritorious Service Medal w/3 OLC.

Dennis made friends easily, loved telling stories of shared experiences, and enjoyed every duty station. He was a leader and man of integrity who sought to pass along wisdom and life skills to all he led. After retiring, Dennis worked part time fixing computer systems and served as the state deputy director for Virginia’s Military Affiliate Radio Program (MARS). He secured another street rod - this time, a red 1929 Ford 2-door sedan, which he proudly showed in multiple car shows and parades. It wasn’t long before he started serving as president of the local Bull Run Street Rods club in Manassas, VA.

After living in Virginia for over 30 years, Dennis and Linda made the big move to Colorado. They met many people & formed great friendships, the dearest being their home group from Woodmen Valley Heights. All of them came alongside Dennis in various ways bringing him laughter, conversation and prayer as his health continued to decline. To them we extend our deepest and most sincere thanks.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers from Synergy, especially Priscilda and Shannon, the caregivers & staff from Jackson Creek Senior Living & Memory Care, Sarah, RN, & Jennifer, RN, from ComForCare, and the Chaplain and Staff from Bloom Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Woodmen Valley Chapel – Heights Campus Food Pantry serving families of the community in need; or Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.