Lloyd C. Welken, 73 , of Easton PA passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. He was the husband of Joyce Mitman Welken with whom he shared 49 1/2 terrific years of marriage. Born January 18,1948 in Flushing, New York he was the son of the late Miriam (Nelson) and Lloyd O. Welken. Lloyd grew up in Glen Head, L.I., New York, sharing good times with his best friend John Condit. He graduated from North Shore High School in 1965, then attended Colby College in Waterville Maine, earning a BA degree in Economics in 1969.
As an ROTC Cadet at Colby, Lloyd was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the Air Force in 1969. After completing pilot training he was assigned to Nakom Phenom Thailand, flying the A-1 Skyraider in 1971- 1972. While in theater he logged over 315 combat hours and flew 100 missions as a commander of search and rescue forces. After assignments in Georgia and New Mexico, Lloyd left active duty in 1978 and joined the AF reserves. He was a member of the 732 MAS, McGuire AFB, New Jersey and served as commander of the 732 Airlift Squadron from Jan. 1994 thru Aug 1995, flying the C-141. Lloyd was activated for Operation Desert Shield/Storm from August 1990 to July 1991, where he flew as a C141B Aircraft Commander in Southwest Asia, and completed 16 airlift missions. Lloyd’s military decorations include The Silver Star, The Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.
In 1997, Lloyd was honored by being selected to be part of an Air Force crew of fellow Vietnam Veterans for a special mission to fly to Hanoi to repatriate the recently found remains of two service members who died while serving in Vietnam. This was an historic occasion to bring back fallen comrades. It was the “Number One” trip of his 30 year flying career in the military. His last assignment was as Commander of the 927th Support Group at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, MI from 1997 until his retirement in June 2000.
Lloyd was a Flight Engineer and First Officer for Pan American Airlines, flying the B727, B747 and A -310. He was a DC-10 Captain for World Airways from 1993-2006. He was a Command Pilot with over 9400 hours including 1600 hours of instructor time in the T-38-A and C-141.
He was a member of The Pomfret Club of Easton where he served on the Board of Directors for 9 Years.
In addition to his wife, Joyce, Lloyd is survived by his sister Mary Jo Weisbach and her husband Phil, brother-in-law Phil Mitman and his wife Linda; 8 nieces and nephews: Cody Weisbach (Cara), Kristin Weisbach, Brooke Mitman, Christian Mitman (Edward Kubow), Alexander Mitman (Meghan), Abigail Harris (Chris), and Zach and Zoe Walden; 11 great nieces and nephews: Sophia, Olivia, Nathanael and Benjamin Rivera, Parker and Chloe Weisbach, Aria Weisbach, Elise and Ellery Harris, Clara and Hannah Mitman; his devoted and loving canine buddy, Nelson along with many beloved cousins and dear friends.
Services are 10:30 AM Tuesday, October 12 at the Brown & Lynch Post #9, American Legion, 2260 Corriere Dr., Easton followed by interment with military honors at Northampton Memorial Shrine. A calling period will be held from 4 PM to 6 PM Monday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers at https:// t2t.org or The Children’s Home of Easton at www.thechildrenshome.org or a charity of one’s choice. Offer online condolences at www.ashtonfuneralhome.com
Barbara Conover
October 6, 2021 at 1:24 pm
Dear dear friend, with Joyce, for more than 40 years. I will always remember you: As we sat obn our NY City terrace, we often mused:
IT’S LLOYD, IN THE SKY!
“Look up, in the blue, it is Lloyd flying by!”
We would sit on our terrace, only five stories high,
and see a jet plane, as it soared through the sky.
“It is Lloyd, our dear friend,” and “Hello!” we would cry!
But then came a day he no longer could soar
in the heavens he loved so. Of course, we knew why:
He was ill and forever forbidden to fly:
he could listen no more to his plane’s engines roar.
In the years that have followed we would gaze at that air
and always pretend that our friend was still there.
We would wave, we would call to the plane high above,
for we knew that the heart of the man that we love
still travels that sky, free to fly – everywhere.
Kevin J Wallaesa
October 6, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Joyce;
Charmaine and I are so saddened to hear of Lloyd’s passing. He was a wonderful person and gentleman, always with a genuine smile whenever we saw him. We are both happy to have crossed his path and become friends with both of you. Fly high Lloyd you are once again in the sky you loved.
Kevin and Charmaine Wallaesa
Jennie and Mike
October 6, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Joyce,
Our hearts are heavy hearing about Lloyd’s passing. He brought us many laughs and great conversations at our dinner table. He is a great man and we are so blessed to have known him. You are forever in our hearts and prayers.
Mary Jo Dale Eden
October 6, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Dear Joyce,
So sorry to read about Lloyd’s passing. We always enjoyed his smile and he will
be missed by all of us who had the privilege to know him.
May he rest in peace and we extend our sincerest sympathy.
Dale & Mary jo
Julie (Welken) Dickson
October 6, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Joyce, I was saddened to hear of Lloyd’s passing. Know that even being miles apart our deepest sympathies to you and your family and Mary Jo and family. Prayers and hugs to all of you and may God grant you peace and wonderful memories. Love Julie and Randy.
Patti and Mark Fehlig
October 6, 2021 at 7:56 pm
Dear Joyce,
We hold you and your family in our thoughts. As nephew Xander stated,”Lloyd was a good man”. We are sharing your loss in our hearts.
Be Well!!!
Cindy and Christopher Greene
October 6, 2021 at 9:45 pm
We will miss you very much Lloyd.
You and Joyce are such treasured people and friends.
With much love Cindy and Chris Greene. ❤️
Meg and Ray Leister
October 7, 2021 at 9:29 am
We are so sorry for your loss. So much time in the skies of the world !
May You know Lloyd will be the best flying young angel in Heaven. We will keep you in our prayers. Sincerely, Meg and Ray Leister
Coleen and Stephen Sawyer
October 7, 2021 at 10:17 am
We will miss Lloyd so very much. We always looked forward to seeing the two of you at the club.
He was a wonderful man.
Joyce, you are in our prayers.
Coleen and Stephen
Marcine and Michael Solliday
October 7, 2021 at 11:47 am
Dear Joyce
We are so sad to hear of Lloyd’s untimely passing.
Friday evenings at the P. C. will look a lot different
without our friend greeting us in the grill room.
It was a pleasure to have known Lloyd and an
honor to be considered his friend.
May your memories bring you much comfort.
Marcine and Michael
John Condit
October 7, 2021 at 2:09 pm
Lloyd and I have truly been brothers from other mothers. We met in kindergarten in 1952 at Glenwood Landing Elementary School. From that time on, our friendship has meshed for almost every important event in our lives.
I was Lloyd’s best man when he married darling Joyce. How often does it happen that one’s best friend marries a wonderful girl, who becomes one’s best “girlfriend.” From that time on, “Lloyd and Joyce” became like one name!
Since then, Lloyd, Joyce and I have spent the next five decades celebrating holidays, going on great vacations, enjoying wonderful homemade dinners and experiencing all of life’s ups and downs. Somehow, thru us, our parents became friends as well, enlarging the notion of us as “family.”
Over the last five and a half years, I’ve had to overcome illness after illness. During this time my goal has been to get well enough to once again share those special moments which make up a full, happy life. Losing my brother, Lloyd, is a personal tragedy. Thank God, I have a lifetime of wonderful memories of our enduring friendship.
Bruce & Linda Carskadon
October 7, 2021 at 2:31 pm
Lloyd has left us with so many wonderful memories from our military days and beyond. We will miss his wondeful stories and joke telling. Everyone loved being with Lloyd. He has given us with so much to remember him by.
Gone too soon.
Kris Hicks
October 7, 2021 at 2:55 pm
Dearest Joyce,
I can still see Lloyd chuckling at a memory he and John shared. I am so very sorry for your loss. The memories I have of my time with both of you are priceless. I so much enjoyed listening to Lloyd talk about his travels and the fact he went to places that were new to me. We are all sadder for your loss, but oh so happy we knew Lloyd.
Dianne Dewalt
October 7, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Joyce,
I am so very sorry to read of the passing of your husband.
What an amazing life you both had.
May God bless you and your family in this
Time of sorrow.
James Clark
October 8, 2021 at 11:08 am
God’s peace and comfort for Joyce and family.
Blessings all.
Jim and Betsy
Antoinette Kolesnikov
October 8, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Joyce and Family,
My sincere sympathies to you as Lloyd has made his transition. I had the honor of serving with Lloyd during his days at McGuire AFB, NJ. He was always a kind and gentle soul and had an infectious smile as he shared stories and jokes. And he always spoke of his lovely wife – Joyce. May the loving memories of your many years together bring countless smiles to warm your heart and soul.
Stephen J. Wood
October 8, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Condolences to Mrs. Welken and family members.
RIP Col Welken. You were a superb 732AS commander and a wonderful person.
Bill Laraway
October 8, 2021 at 1:24 pm
He left to soon… What more can be said of a man who lived an amazing life, is loved by so many and admired by so many more. He made an enormous impact in the world and with all those he meet. God speed till we meet again.
Mary Rita Miller
October 10, 2021 at 5:17 pm
Joyce,
We are so sorry to hear of Lloyd’s passing. Our sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Ron and Mary Rita Miller
Rosalie Mancino
October 11, 2021 at 9:32 pm
I’m so sorry, Joyce in the passing of your loving husband.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time.
May all your precious moments and memories bring you peace.
Rosalie Mancino
Don Sloan
October 12, 2021 at 9:12 am
Joyce, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Lloyd was one of the good ones. I very much enjoyed our time together in the RAM, working, flying, and playing. It was always great to be around him
I pray that your tears of sorrow will soon be replaced with smiles of many, many wonderful memories.
don
Bruce Schauer
October 12, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Dear Joyce,
Very sorry to learn of Lloyd’s untimely passing. I had no idea how decorated a pilot and veteran he was. He served his country very proudly.
I hope you find peace during this difficult time as I’m sure Lloyd will be sorely missed by you and your very large extended family.
Although we were 10 years apart in age we both grew up on the north shore of Long Island!
Again, my sincere condolences to you and your loved ones.
Bruce
Mike & Leslie Butz
October 16, 2021 at 5:43 pm
Joyce: Our hearts grieve with yours as you mourn the loss of your husband. We are praying for God’s peace, comfort, wisdom, courage and strength as you face the days ahead. With our deepest sympathies, Mike & Leslie Butz
Grace Zarnas Hoyer
October 17, 2021 at 9:04 am
Hi Joyce – we were so saddened to hear about your soul mate, Lloyd. What a great and distinguished life he lived! Your family has always been a great and cherished friend to the Zarnas family. From our times at Bixler’s in Easton, and the great memories you share with me of Yiayia Grace and Papou Gust- Lloyd is probably having a drink with them now!
With our deepest condolences,
Grace (Zarnas), Bob, Stephen, Sophia and Alexis Hoyer