Robert "Bob" Breen Welton

Robert “Bob” Breen Welton, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, surrounded by his family, peacefully left this earth to meet his Lord and Savior on August 15, 2025. He was born on March 21, 1938 in Waterbury, Connecticut to Robert Smithwick Welton and Marian Munson Welton. Bob was the eldest of four children (Nancy-deceased, Karen, and Margaret “Peggy”). Bob graduated from Bently College in 1957 with a degree in Accounting and Finance.

Bob met the love of his life, Mary Hardt, in 1959 on a blind date to play putt putt golf. Their relationship flourished and excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on January 7, 1961 at St. Mary Madelen Catholic Church in Oakville, Connecticut.

Mary and Bob couldn’t wait to start a family of their own and their girls meant the world to them.  Lori, Cheryl, Kathryn, and Megan (deceased), were greatly loved and cared for by Bob and Mary. After living in a house full of women, he was especially proud of the men his girls had chosen to be their sons-in-law, Bill Price (Lori), David Schlitt (Cheryl) and James Moore-deceased (Kathryn), and A.J. Anderson (Kathryn).

Bob loved being a grandparent and was always the “Western Cowboy” to his grandkids with his cowboy hats, belt buckles, and boots as well as his western artwork collection. He treasured his time with their grandkids and loved being their “Papa.” He was a loving and nurturing “Papa” to David Schlitt Jr. (Melissa), Megan Schlitt Ridner (Andrew), Robert “Bobby” Moore, Julia Moore, and Brian Moore.

He was also blessed with being “Papa” to three great-grandchildren, Evelyn Ridner, Sabrina Schlitt and Thea Ridner. Having spent time with each of them, including a lot of Facetime calls since they lived out of town, always brought a joyful smile to his face. There was nothing better than seeing those girls riding “Papa’s” knee.

Bob and Mary moved to Decatur, Georgia in 1972 and loved the South. They got into camping and boating. Bob became the Executive Senior Vice President of Hangar One, which was subsequently purchased by Beech Aircraft. In 1984 Bob was transferred to Wichita with Beech Aircraft. Bob was a CPA, retiring as the Vice President of Finance for Beech Aircraft after 28 years. He served on the Board of Directors for WSU Endowment Association, Goodwill Industries, and Boys and Girls Club. He was on the Board of Directors and administrated Raytheon Aircraft and previous Beech Aircraft Foundations. Bob was also a member of the downtown Rotary Club and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Having lived in Connecticut, Georgia and Kansas, Mary and Bob began their initial years in retirement by living full time on the road in their Motor Coach. Over several years they were fortunate to travel throughout the United States seeing new sites and meeting new people. One of their favorite locations was Jackson Hole, Wyoming having spent six summers there from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Bob worked two days a week on the National Elk Refuge helping with irrigation and odd jobs around the refuge while Mary would work several days a week in the Visitor Center. Bob and Mary eventually moved to Texas for nearly two decades, living in South Padre Island and Georgetown (near Austin). While in Georgetown, Bob drove a charter bus where he took the University of Texas marching band and cheerleaders to many out-of-town games. They ultimately returned to Wichita, Kansas where they rejoined St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Bob will always be remembered for his professionalism, his warm smile, his compassion for life, and his strong Catholic faith. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or brother and will miss Bob every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 21, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, 1215 N. Stratford Ln., Wichita, KS 67206.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.