Colonel William H. Wellman (United States Army, retired) of 7 Helen Street, Plattsburgh, New York, died Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in South New Berlin, New York, on December 12, 1935, he was the son of Ernest and Celia Wellman.

Survivors include his beloved wife Katherine, of Plattsburgh, whom he married January 2, 1960, children Master Gunnery Sergeant William L. Wellman (USMC, retired) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Susan Blackburn of Columbia, Missouri, Jane Wellman of Columbia, Missouri, and Thomas Wellman of Kirkwood, Missouri; daughters-in-law Natalie Wellman and Robin Wellman, son-in-law Randy Blackburn and grandchildren William, Alexandra, Clay, Cole, Andrew, Ryan, and Max. Numerous great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces also survive. A sister, Mary, and a brother, James, predeceased him.

Colonel Wellman was a 1957 graduate of St. Lawrence University and held a master's degree from Appalachian State University. After graduation from St. Lawrence University, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served his nation in increasing positions of responsibility around the world. He was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. His service included tours in Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States. He was privileged to command the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry while at Fort Hood, Texas. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, four awards of the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal, as well as other United States and foreign decorations including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army General Staff Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Expert Infantry Badge.

Following his retirement from active duty in 1988, he worked in the defense industry as a consultant, program manager, and facility director in Kentucky and New Jersey. He later retired to Plattsburgh, where he was active in conservation matters. An avid fly fisherman, he served as member, officer, and director of the Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited, where he served as secretary and regional vice president. He was an active participant in numerous North Country and Lake Champlain water related conservation organizations. A railroad enthusiast, he was a member of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Association and the National Railway Historical Association.

Colonel Wellman was a member of the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church, where he served as an officer and trustee for many years. Services will be held there on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10 o'clock.

In lieu of flowers for Colonel Wellman, flowers for the one you love are encouraged.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.