Donald L. Welch, 72, of rural Moran, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at his home.
He was born July 23, 1938, at St. John’s Hospital in Iola, the son of Lloyd L. “Tock” and Ruth V. (Adams) Welch. He grew up on the family farm south of Moran, and graduated from Moran Rural High School in 1956. He graduated from Allen County Junior College. He received his bachelor’s degree in industrial education with a minor in math from Pittsburg State University.
He taught math for two years at Royster Junior High School in Chanute, before farming full time and raising livestock.
On July 26, 1959, he married Judith A. Ensminger at Moran United Methodist Church. They made their home on the farm at Moran most of their married lives.
Don was a member of Moran United Methodist Church and Marmaton Lodge No. 245 at Moran. He enjoyed his cattle, horses, dogs — and possibly one cat!
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Judy, of the home; three children, Karol Pock and her husband, Rick, Emporia, Kristi Hartman and her husband, Gene, of Moran, and Kelly Welch and his wife, Tara, of Baldwin; 10 grandchildren, Nick Henry, Ryan Henry, Amanda Crowell and husband, Dusty, Clint Pock, Jaci Littrell and husband, Brant, Julie Hartman and fiance, Kody Heskett, Jill Hartman, and Kate, Dan, and Selene Welch; three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Caleigh, and Rylan Crowell; one brother, Bob Welch and his wife, Cheryl, of Moran; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation is tonight from 6 to 8 at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Moran United Methodist Church. Pastor David Shrum will officiate.
Burial will be in Moran Cemetery, Moran.
Memorials may be left to Moran United Methodist Church or Allen County Hospice and left with Waugh-Yokum and Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Donald Welch
