Earl Lawrence Welch

Earl Lawrence Welch was born on July 15, 1936 in St. James, Missouri to Lawrence and Flossie Blanche (Barnes) Welch. He grew up in Salem and graduated with the Class of 1954 from Salem High School. After high school, Earl entered the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully working on DC 9 aircraft for four years before his honorable discharge. Earl was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Roylyn Colleen Medlock on August 4, 1957 at the Salem First Baptist Church and together shared nearly sixty-four years of memories. Earl and Roylyn were blessed with three children: Marietta, Christopher, and Thomas. Earl started his working career in several jobs including Missouri Conservation Commission, gas station attendant, MFA, AMAX mine, and as a truck driver, and enjoyed driving the open road on and off for many years. His greatest passion was farming, he was a farmer at heart, and met his childhood goal of owning his own farm east of Salem. Earl truly loved working in the hayfield bailing hay every summer, tending to his cattle, raising calves and various livestock, and driving tractors. In his spare time, Earl liked to be outdoors and travel. He was very talented with his hands and put together models of big trucks, stagecoaches, and stadiums. Earl also enjoyed a good game of pinochle and other card games with family and friends. Earl valued spending time making memories with his family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above all, Earl had a firm belief in Christ and was a faithful servant of God. A lifetime member of Salem First Baptist Church, he could often be found praying or reading his Bible. Earl served in many ways over the years; working collections, participating in the Easter Pageants, and being a dedicated Deacon. Earl was kind-hearted and loved to help others. Earl departed this life on June 21, 2021 in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty-four years. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife Roylyn Welch of the home; children: Marietta Morhardt of Omaha, NE, Chris Welch and wife Terrie of Salem, MO, and Tom Welch of Salem, MO; siblings: Melba Seelke and husband Don of Salem, MO and Jim Welch and wife Bernadette of St. James, MO; grandchildren: Brandon Welch and wife Diana of Salem, MO, Jake Welch and wife Ally of St. Louis, MO, Megan Delmain and husband Josh of Salem, MO, Richard Morhardt of Grand Island, NE, Kayla Welch of Ashland, MO, and Joey Camden of Springfield, MO; great-grandchildren: Ian, Ethan, and Collin Welch, Landon, Connor, and Grayson Welch, Raelyn McElvey, Kynnedi Bolerjack, and Alaina and Levi Delmain; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death, his parents Lawrence and Flossie Welch, daughter in-law Davida Welch and two infant siblings. Earl was a friend to all who will be remembered for his joking good nature and love for his family. He leaves behind a great legacy and will be forever missed. Funeral Services for Earl Lawrence Welch were held Friday, June 25, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Phil Newcomb officiating. Special Music was provided by Lisa Wulff and Ann Emory. Additional song selections played were “Why I Farm” and “Old Churchyard”. Serving as Pallbearers were Brandon Welch, Jake Welch, Richard Morhardt, Josh Delmain, Charlie Welch, and Robert Seelke. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Welch, Megan Delmain, Don Seelke, Kayla Welch. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Earl Welch and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Earl Lawrence Welch

July 15, 1936 - June 21, 2021