Bob Welch

John Robert "Bob" Welch, of Moran, died October 5, 2023, at Medicalodge of Iola, Kansas. He was 78 years old.

The son of Lloyd L. "Tock" and Ruth V. (Adams) Welch, he was born October 21, 1944, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. He grew up on the family farm just south of Moran and at 10 years old he started helping his father and brother, Don, in the fields. He graduated from Moran High School and excelled in baseball and in football as the center. He was the only starting sophomore when the football team was undefeated in 1959. He played the trumpet in band and was homecoming king. In school he was known for being shy, a nice guy, and liked by everyone. He went to Allen County Jr. College and graduated from Kansas State University in 1967 with a Bachelors of science degree in Agriculture. After college he owned and operated a large hog farm while raising cattle and crops. On August 3rd, 1968 he married Cheryl Diane Thompson at the Moran United Methodist Church and was a lifelong member there.

Bob enjoyed getting together with family and at Welch get together's, several decks of cards & card tables were not an uncommon sight, so as a Welch you were expected to learn Pitch at a very young age. He faithfully attended his children's and grandchildren's ballgames even if it took him away from his chores and livestock. Bob was very knowledgeable and took great interest in the health of his livestock and would go to great lengths to nurse them back to health. It wasn't a surprise to find a calf or piglet on the back porch or someone pulling into the drive with an animal for him to look at or doctor. Farming was his passion; as his health failed, he still had faith that he would someday get back on his tractor.

He enjoyed talking about his heritage with stories passed down through the generations. After getting home late from ball games or in from the field, you would find him working, studying and charting futures and commodities or reading a farm magazine. On Fridays, for the past 55 yrs, you would find him at the sale barn in Gas City either sitting in the stands or helping his wife's family or son in the back. It was just a short while ago he was there running after cattle shooing them in a pen.

Bob was a quiet man, clever, stern, frugal, extremely hardworking, very stubborn, ridiculously humble, and his humor would catch you off guard at the most unexpecting times, even in excruciating pain, he could still make you laugh. His grandkids and his health softened him as he grew older, though he wouldn't admit it. He was a Royals, Chiefs and K-State fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Don Welch, infant grand-daughter, Kalli Welch, great niece Jill Hartman, brother and sister in laws, Leon Thompson & Nina Worthington.

Survivors include: His wife of 55 years, Cheryl Welch of the home. Three children: Tina Ashford and husband Steven of Bonner Springs, KS, Teri Shaughnessy and husband Shayne of Iola and Scott Welch and wife Amy of Moran. Ten grandchildren: Aaron, Nicole, Emily and Autumn Ashford; Chase, Shelby and Ty Shaughnessy; and Kooper, Kinley and Karly Welch. Brother and sister in laws: Judy Welch, Moran, Darrell Thompson, Larry Thompson, & Linda Heffern, all of Iola, Nita Hunt, Marysville, Ohio and a lifelong friend, Ron Strong, Texas.

Visitation will be on Tuesday October 10, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Feuerborn Funeral Home Venue in Iola, KS and funeral services have been scheduled for Wednesday October 11, 2023 at 10:00 A.M., at the Moran United Methodist Church. Pastor Tracy Smith will officiate Graveside burial will be conducted in the Moran Cemetery immediately following the funeral. Feuerborn Funeral Chapel, Iola is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials to the Moran United Methodist Church and may be sent to the church or the funeral home, 1883 US HWY 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.
You can watch John's Funeral Service here @ https://vimeo.com/event/3784927
Condolences can be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .