DOVER - John Paul Welgan, of Dover, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at Capitol Nursing Home, Dover. He was 72. Mr. Welgan was the born Aug. 19, 1939, in New York, N.Y., to the late Michael Welgan and Anne T. Kardish Welgan. John's career began in the United States Air Force in September of 1956. During his time in the service John attended the MAC NCO Academy and the Senior NCO Academy. He also completed a B.A. degree at Upper Iowa University in 1976 and a Master's Degree in 1979 from Central Michigan University. John was a highly decorated Airman, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross during the Vietnam War. John retired after serving 30 years in the United States Air Force. After his military career he went to work for United Airlines Service Corporation where he was a flight engineer instructor at the flight simulator. He continued working at the DAFB simulator as a Training Supervisor for Flight Safety. John retired from Flight Safety to work on his golf game and travel with his wife Ginny. Mr. Welgan was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dover and Maple Dale Country Club. He was also a member of the Air Force Seargents Association and the American Legion Post 2 Dover. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed wood working. He could often be seen reading on his front porch in downtown Dover; and he enjoyed a good glass of wine. He was married for 47 years to his sweetie, Virginia M. Welgan, who preceded him in death in 2011. He is survived by his sons, John M. Welgan of Dover, Robert L. Welgan and his wife Stephanie of Portland, Ore.; daughter, Karen Taylor and her husband Jim of Dover; brothers, Dennis Welgan of Vacaville, Calif., and Thomas Welgan of Chico, Calif.; grandchildren, Katie and Jack Welgan, Mark and Evan Taylor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State Street, Dover. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday evening at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Capital Rehab and Nursing Home for the care provided to their dear John for the last several months. He was particularly fond of the Magnolia Unit's nursing and CNA staff. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Air Mobility Command Museum, DAFB DE. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.