Richard (Dick) Douglass Welde, 93, formerly of DuBoistown, Pennsylvania, died of heart failure on Thursday, December 9, 2021 in Denton, Texas, his home for the last two years.

Dick was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 3, 1928 to Frederick and Ruth Welde. He graduated from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, and earned a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He met Eleanor, his future wife, in German class at Washington College. They married on March 17, 1951 in Collingswood, New Jersey. They later lived in Baltimore, Maryland and Reading, Pennsylvania and then for most of their lives in DuBoistown where Dick pursued a career with USF&G Insurance Company. They were members of South Williamsport United Methodist Church.

He served honorably in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1956.

Dick was a talented painter, specializing in landscapes, and actively participating in the Bald Eagle Art League. He was also a musician and instrument maker. He hand-crafted several stringed instruments and played cello in the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. He also enjoyed hiking, canoe camping in Canada, fishing, photography, and traveling with Eleanor, especially to France.

He is preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Ellie.

Dick is survived by his wife of 70 years, Eleanor Welde, currently of Denton, Texas; daughters, Carolyn Smith and husband, Steve, of Denton, Texas; Janet Francis and husband, Buzz, of Leesport, Pennsylvania; and Susan Olson and husband, Tom, of Southampton, New Jersey; and grandchildren, Nicholas Olson, Anna Olson, and Sally Francis.

A graveside service will be held at The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on December 22, 2021. Military honors will be rendered at the start of the service. There will be a memorial service at South Williamsport United Methodist Church on January 22, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to South Williamsport United Methodist Church or to a charity of one's choice.