Etsel Eugene Welch, 90

Dick Welch left this world on October 25, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas, just one day shy of his 91st birthday. 

The son of William Newton and Millie Harriet Melton Welch, he was born on October 26, 1933, at the family home just above Pond Fork Creek north of Longrun. 

A man of many interests, Dick found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was known for his love of Westerns, with a particular fondness for the classic show "Rawhide." An avid camper, he enjoyed the great outdoors and was a proud member of a camper’s club, relishing every moment spent around the campfire with his friends and family.

He especially cherished his many trips "home" for Memorial Day, Hootin' n Hollerin' and "just because."

Dick enlisted in the Air Force in 1955, where he honed his skills as a B47 radar technician at Schilling AFB, Topeka.

Later, he drove gas trucks for Farmer's Oil and operated his own Phillips 66 gas station in Silver Lake, Ks. 

He is survived by wife Doris (Decker) Welch with whom he shared 68 years after marrying on September 28, 1956. 

 Other survivors include son Dale, daughter Debra, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his son Darrin; parents; and siblings Cleo, Allie Rae, Joe, Lexie Waldo, Juanita, Palmer, Lowell, Herald and Jessie.

Dick was a believer in "You can take the boy out of the country but not the country out of the boy," and was a true and proud hillbilly to the end.

Honoring his wishes, Dick was cremated and no services will held.

Condolences may be sent to Doris Welch & Family, 6956 Shawnee Lane, Ozawkie, Ks 66070.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Welch Cemetery Fund, c/o Century Bank, P.O. Box 68, Gainesville, Mo, 65655.  

Paid obituary, printed as submitted.