Kenneth Frederick Welch, age 83, was born on August 27, 1937, the second child of Clarence W. Welch and Mildred Laverne Welch, née Anderson of Tyrone, Pennsylvania.
Kenneth served in the US Navy for 8 years, where he trained as a Mechanical Technician. After leaving the military he worked in the steel mills of Avonmore, Pennsylvania, then worked for the US Postal Service for over 20 years.
In 1971, Ken met the love of his life, Betty Ruth Ford, and her five children. They married on June 17, 1972 and added three more children to their family.
Ken, ever the driven individual, started his own business as an Electrician. This was a career he enjoyed and worked tirelessly at even when he "retired".
A lover of good food and wine, he was often happiest in his own backyard, with the stereo playing country oldies while eating bratwurst and enjoying a glass of rosé.
An avid history enthusiast, Ken enjoyed documentaries, books, and discussion on events of the past. He encouraged education and hard work in others.
Ken is preceded in death by both parents, his stepfather John Brogden, his elder brother, Harold W. Welch, as well as a son-in-law Tom Harris.
He leaves his wife of 48 years, Betty, and 8 children: Vikki (Michael) Curtright of Southworth, Washington; Luicene Harris of St. Charles, Missouri; Fred (Jennifer) Welch of O'Fallon, Missouri; Karla (Kelly) Duke of Defiance, Missouri; Mia Cakalic of St. Charles, Missouri; Mary (Michael) Rust of Innsbrook, Missouri; Ken, Jr (Kathleen) Welch of O'Fallon, Missouri; and Chandra Welch of St. Charles, Missouri. As well as 15 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren along with many other relatives and friends.
Ken offered advice and knowledge to all who came to him, along with jokes of certain humor, unique to himself. He was one of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 4 decades. He truly believed the words at Revelation 21:4 " And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." He also looked forward to living forever on a paradise earth as written at Psalms 37:10, 11.
Ken was a man as solid as an oak tree, set in his ways, but with a genuine heart. A good man who will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. A private interment will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Please join the live Zoom for the service at 9:30 am on Monday, November 30, 2020 at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89783618710
Meeting ID: 897 8361 8710
Social distancing, face covering, and limited physical contact will be required for all funeral events.
To share a memory of Kenneth or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.