Phillip Henry Welter

Military honors will be provided at graveside by VFW Post 750 at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Watertown, South Dakota. Arrangements for cremation are by Porter Loring Mortuary of San Antonio, Texas.

Phillip was born in Watertown, South Dakota to John Dunton English, Jr. and Georgia Mildred Hager on November 30, 1928. Henry and Margaret (Williamson) Welter later adopted Phillip in March 1929. He grew up on the historic Welter farm located east of Watertown (now the site of the Terry Redlin Art Center), and graduated from Watertown High School in May, 1945.

At the age of 17 Phillip enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served in Japan at the conclusion of WWII. After military discharge, he earned an art degree at Denver University while on a track and football scholarship and participating in the ROTC program.

Following graduation Phillip was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and called to service in the Korean War. Promoted to First Lieutenant in the 160th Infantry Regiment as a Pioneer & Ammunition platoon leader, he was honorably discharged in February 1953, receiving a Bronze Star for meritorious service, the Combat Infantry Badge and Korean Service Medal with two service stars.

In civilian life he worked as a graphic designer for Autry Brothers Engraving in Denver, Colorado, before moving his family to San Antonio. Phillip was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, coached Pop Warner football, and earned a private pilot's license.

Phillip is preceded in death by his first wife Jane (Lambert) Welter, and his second wife Harriet (Finch) Welter.

Phillip is survived by all four of his children to Jane (Lambert) Welter: Cole H. Welter and spouse Gold Marie, Paige Milam, Lane E. Welter, Dana Stolhandske and spouse Carl; seven Grandchildren and five Great-Grandchildren.

Memorial gifts may be made to The Village at Incarnate Word in San Antonio.