Richard Lee Wellborn

SANTA FE – Mr. Richard Lee Wellborn passed away at the age of 90 on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Nassau Bay.

Born March 29, 1934, in Iredell, Texas, Mr. Wellborn was a retired engineer with a distinguished career in both the United States Air Force and NASA. Richard joined the Airforce in 1955 and dedicated 23 years in the service, retiring as a Technical Sargent. While on one of his tours, he met Yueh-Lan Peng and the two were married in the beautiful landscape of Taiwan. Richard went on to work for Nasa as an engineer, helping to train and prepare the astronauts. He was a jolly man who enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. With all of his experience came great story telling. His grandchildren remember fondly of Richard having a story for everything.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Vera (Jones) Wellborn; sister, Ruby Kowis; brother, Vernon Wellborn.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Yueh-Lan Wellborn; son, Roy Lee Wellborn and wife, Mary; daughters, Teresa Fay Mook and husband, Tony, Liz Sanford and husband, Don, Irene Lynn Wellborn; 7 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery, with Mr. Roy Wellborn officiating.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501.

Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Richard’s name to Houston Humane Society, Post Office Box 450528, Houston, Texas 77245.

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