IL SR1353

Illinois Senate mourns the death of Richard Victor Welton, who passed away on December 1, 2022.

Welton was born September 17, 1939, in Richfield and served in the U.S. Marine Corps starting June 18, 1957, as a sergeant in the President's U.S. Marine Band, the youngest musician in the band, and played at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration.

After military service, Welton returned to Peoria where he obtained his master barber license and worked at Keystone and Pabst while continuing to barber.

Welton was an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, and pianist who played in the Midas Touch band, Peoria Municipal Band, and other local bands, and served as choir director at Grace United Methodist Church for 25 years.

Senate extends sincere condolences to Welton's surviving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members, with a copy of the resolution to be presented to his family.