Wayne H Welch, Kimberling City, MO, son of Tom and Catherine (Chapen) Welch, was born on May 23, 1939, in McGregor, IA and departed this life on March 28, 2025, at the age of 85.

Wayne retired as Master Chief from US Navy and had lived in the area since 1984, coming from Lake Wallenpaupack, PA. He was a member of the Elks, masons and American Legion.

Survivors include: his wife, Rose Welch of Kimberling City, MO; son, Angelo Rappa and his wife, Lisa of Florida; two daughters, Lorie Johnson and her husband, Wesley of Cape Fair, MO and Denise Sam and her husband, Sam of Republic, MO; one sister, Karen Hute of Corpus Christi, TX; seven grandchildren, Cara, Christian, A J, Audrey, Tate, Clayton and Thaison; three great grandchildren, Tuff, Jeremiah and Leonidas and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO. A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Elks Lodge, Kimberling City, MO. Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.