JESSE LEE WELSH

Jesse Lee Welsh, 92, of Ash Grove passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. He was born on May 31, 1931, to Jesse W. and Margarete (Hensley) Welsh.
He married Verma Lea Strait on June 15, 1957, and they shared over 60 years together, before she passed away in 2018.
He was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Aldrich Schools in 1949 and then went into the United States Air Force from 1951-1955, during the Korean War. He worked for Chiles Tractor and Supply for over 17 years and then began his career as a motor grader operator for Greene County Highway Department where he retired after 25 years.
He was baptized in Turkey Creek at the age of 12, and was the oldest living member of Aldrich United Methodist Church. While raising his family, he attended Ash Grove Baptist Church and most recently he had faithfully been attending Sac River Cowboy Church.
He took part in establishing the football program in Ash Grove and was an original member of the Chain Gang. He had a volunteer’s heart and when he saw a need in the community, he was there to help, no matter if it was with the school or helping with the ambulance service. He was a true Ash Grove Pirates fan, and thought the St. Louis Cardinals were pretty great too.
He is survived by two sons, Mark (Denise) Welsh of Ash Grove, Marty (Melanie) Welsh of Aldrich; five grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; special great-granddaughter; brother-in-law, Roy (Norma) Strait; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verma Lea; infant son, Myron Doyle; great-grandson, Jake Johnston;and his sisters, Betty Melton and Ava Mae Welch.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove, with burial to follow at Ash Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ash Grove Care to Learn or the building fund for Aldrich United Methodist Church and may be left at the funeral home.