Larry Dean Welch

Larry Dean Welch was born August 30, 1960, in Rolla, Missouri. He was the youngest of three sons born to John and Joyce (Munro) Welch. Larry grew up in Salem, Missouri and graduated with the class of 1978 from Salem High School. Larry was the father of two children, Jay and Kristina. On August 25, 2024, Larry was united in marriage to Kimberly Brookshire and in that unity, he gained three more children: Mahala, Cassie and Kurtis. Larry was very dedicated to tending to his farm and cattle. Although he spent the majority of his time “fixing” fence and answering phone calls just to hear “Larry, you know you got cows in the road?” To which he’d reply, “yep, just leave ‘em alone, they know where to get back in.” Larry was a very talented craftsman and in his younger years he was well known for his many talents in building custom homes. He loved all things outdoors but there wasn’t much more that Larry loved than to bust up some turkeys! You know a bird hated to see him coming! He was always easy to talk to and loved to sit around and shoot the bull. Larry enjoyed spending his time with Kim, whether it be sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee or jumping in that old Toyota to go make their evening circle… down to the farm to make sure the girls were all accounted for to circling back around and stopping in at the neighbors before heading home. Larry was proud of a lot in his life, but nothing more than wearing the title “Pop”. He loved his family and was always happy to get a few of those new grand and great grandbaby snuggles. Larry entered eternal rest September 28, 2024, in Rolla, Missouri, at the age of sixty-four years. He leaves behind his loving family to include his wife: Kim Welch of Salem, MO; children: Jay Welch and wife Sarah of Salem, MO, Kristina Welch of Springfield, MO, Mahala Hodge and fiancé Austin Keeney of Vienna, MO, Cassandra Oliver and husband Levi of Fulton, MO, and Kurtis Hodge of Fulton, MO; brothers: Ken Welch and wife Mary of Edgar Springs, MO and Ed Welch of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Trystan and fiancé Amanda, Grace, Alexis, J.J., Kinzley, Avery, Wrenek, and Wesley; great-granddaughter: Violet May; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents: John and Joyce Welch; sister-in-law: Lisa Welch; and great-granddaughter: Anastasia Rose Welch. Larry was a fun-loving, strong willed, stubborn hard worker. He brought laughter to those around him with his unexpected quick wit personality. He will be forever missed and never forgotten. Funeral Services for Larry Dean Welch were held Saturday, October 5, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Joel Steelman officiating. His father-in-law Ron shared a eulogy and granddaughter Alexis shared a poem. Song selections played were “When I Get Where I’m Going”, “There You’ll Be”, “I Wish Grandpas Never Died”, “Dads and Daughters”, “When We Fall Apart”, and “I Can Only Imagine”. Serving as Pallbearers were Trystan Welch, J.J. Welch, Levi Oliver, Matt Dillon, Adam Parker, and Eric Welch. Honorary Pallbearers were Neal Ainsworth and Austin Keeney. Burial was in the Round Pond Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Larry Welch to the Round Pond Cemetery Fund and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Larry Dean Welch

August 30, 1960 - September 28, 2024