Retired Chief Master Sgt. WELKER W. McKEE Welker fought the good fight, finished the course and kept his Christian faith when he passed away November 5, 2016 in Moreno Valley, California. Welker was born on February 29, 1924 in Wooster, Ohio, the oldest of six to Verda and Weldon McKee. He joined the Army Air Force at the age of 18 in 1942. His career spanned 30 years during which he fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. His duties took him to the India, China and Burma campaigns, serving as a flight engineer and was credited officially with 403 combat missions. He served also on a Historic Flight from Wilmington to England in the first fully automatic flight in 1947. He spent 6 years in the occupation of Japan and survived a crash into a lake at the foot of the Himalayas. Commendations included three Distinguished Flying Crosses with two Oak Leaf Clusters, six Air Medals, Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal with a silver bar and two loops, Air Force Longevity Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. He married his beloved wife Dorothy Maxine Shamp in March, 1946 and were together until her death after 61 years. She was an energetic military wife who followed him to assignments in Japan and all over the United States. They had two children: Steven Wayne and Dianna Lee who passed away at age 40. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Rhoades; son Steven (Linda); grandson David (Lonneka); granddaughter Victoria van Toorn (Patrick); four great-granddaughters; step-granddaughter Rebecca George; his sister Evelyn Cunningham and brother Ronald McKee. He was preceded in death by his sister Marleen and brothers Harold and Kenneth McKee. Viewing will be on November 17th from 11 am until 12 noon at Christ Community Church (in the Wesleyan Fellowship Hall), 13300 Indian St., Moreno Valley. Followed by interment at Riverside National Cemetery staging area #5 at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow at Christ Community Church at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Christ Community Church. Arlington Mortuary, Directors (800) 275-4648 www.arlingtonmortuary.com