A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be scheduled for the summer of 2021.
Rudy owned and operated American Aviation, Inc. in Peyton, Colorado for 49 years. He previously served in the US Navy as Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class, then served and retired from the US Air Force with rank of SMSGT. Tours of Duty included Germany, England, and VietNam.
While stationed in Texas, Rudy met and married his wife, Gwen. His favorite song was the Yellow Rose of Texas “beats the Belles of Tennessee”, and would often sing it around the house. When he gave his wife flowers, they were always yellow roses.
After retirement from the Air Force, Rudy enjoyed some time as a private pilot to a race horse owner, flying to various tracks around the country. Following that, he went into business for himself and started American Aviation, Inc. Rudy has a great reputation for his skills and knowledge of aircraft and flying. At 94 years of age he was still actively working.
Rudy grew up on a farm in Tazewell, Tennessee. His parents were Rose Ann and Stirl Welch. He always loved animals. His first dachshund came into the family while in Germany. This resulted is a lifetime love of the little dogs.
Rudy was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Gwendolyn. He is survived by his daughters, Peggy Barrett of Lexington, TN, and Deborah Himmel of Wildersville, TN. Granddaughters, Tammy Khan of Guyton, GA, and Nicole Wright of Lexington, TN. Great- grandchildren, Rebecca Derico of San Antonio, TX, Scott Wright of Pueblo, CO, and Justin Wright of Windsor, CO.
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