Charles Patrick "Pat" Welker

A graveside service for Mr. Charles Patrick “Pat” Welker, 76, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Northeast Louisiana Veterans’ Cemetery in Rayville, LA, with Rev. Dub Hatten officiating, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe.

Charles Patrick “Pat” Welker, 76, was born to Katherine Francis Bates Welker and Charles Thomas Welker on July 18, 1947, and passed away June 22, 2024.

Pat Welker was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served from 1967 until 1973. He was in the US Navy Air – VP6- “Blue Sharks of the Pacific.” He was a cryptologist on a P3 plane. A plane that he loaded detection gear equipped to carry torpedoes, depth bomb mines and even nuclear weapons. The P3 Orion was also an anti-submarine Warfare plane that was introduced in 1962. It is still being used in seven countries and as a hurricane hunter. Pat was a E4 Corporal and ATN3 Radio Mechanic, Aviation Electronics Technician, Navigation Petty Officer 3rd Class. He received four medals of his tour in Vietnam, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and A T Medal First Award.

Pat owned and operated Welker Marine Construction and Evergreen Irrigation. He also had a love for music: his favorite singer was Andrea Bocelli, and his favorite song was “Time to Say Goodbye.” Pat loved to fish and to go duck hunting, but his one true love was riding his Harley motorcycle.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Katherine Welker; and brother, Robert “Bobby” Lynn Welker.

Pat is survived by his brother, Kevin Keith Welker (Cheryl) and his sister, Anna Louise Ward. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews, as well as seven great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Northeast Louisiana Veterans’ Home for the love and care of Pat. 

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter or Northeast Louisiana Veterans’ Home.