Richard William Tebbs Welch

Jan. 31, 1948 — June 19, 2025

Richard William Tebbs Welch, 77, South Jordan, Utah, was joyfully reunited with his eternal companion on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

He was born in Lovell in January of 1948 to Hazel Tebbs and Louis Belmont Welch. He grew up in Cowley with six sisters and one brother. He was a forever Wyoming Cowboy.

He served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaii, and the Polynesian people held a place in his heart for the rest of his life.

He was sealed to his sweetheart, Joan Partridge Welch, on July 6, 1973, in the Provo, Utah, Temple. Together they raised six children who he was exceedingly proud of. For Richard, his family meant everything, and he was constantly working to provide a happy life for them.

His parents were beacons to him, and he would tell stories about them often. He learned to build from his father and spent his life building homes he was proud of.

He passed on a legacy of creativity, hard work and an enthusiasm for living life. He loved serving those around him. If anyone was in need, he was always willing to help. He modeled generosity in his everyday life, whether it was making small toys and mischief for his children and grandchildren or large repairs and heavy lifting.

Richard loved scouting and had a nearly lifelong engagement with the Boy Scouts of America. He loved teaching the youth and did his best to make them all feel welcome and looked after. This welcoming and engaging attitude was a key piece of who he was.

Throughout his life, Rich was a story teller. He would tell any story and make it larger-than-life stories, from chasing his sisters around with a slingshot to two headed rattlesnakes or river rescues. Some of which were even true. He honored his treasured memories by retelling the stories. His children know several of them by heart.

Richard’s faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement was integrated in everything he did. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and shared the Gospel with everyone he met. He treasured his time serving in the temple and cherished his covenants.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joan Partridge Welch; parents Louis Belmont and Hazel Tebbs Welch; and sisters Joan Welch, Alyce Jones and Linda Croft.

There will be a viewing July 10 at 9 a.m. at the Mountain Shadows Ward house in West Jordan followed by a funeral service. Internment will be at the Redwood Memorial Estates.

Maholo nui loa to his children and caretakers who helped Richard through the final years of his life. He counted you all as friends.

In Richard’s memory, we ask you to go out and share your testimony and serve a friend as he would have. “Thanks for being who you are and what you are. Lord bless.”