MCLEANSBORO – Donald Ray Welch, age 90, of McLeansboro, IL, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Don was born March 19, 1934, in Carmi, IL, to Donald Eugene Welch and Mary Virginia (Sheppard) Welch. Don was an active member in the United States Army and then was in the United States Army Reserves for several years. He was a self-employed farm mortgage broker in McLeansboro, IL, for over 45 years.
Don is survived by his son, Jeff Welch and wife, Patti, McLeansboro, IL; and a daughter, Belynda (Welch) Hereford and husband, Richard, St. Louis, MO. Grandchildren, Jason Welch and wife Andrea, McLeansboro, Page Hereford and wife Megan, St. Louis, MO., Emily Hereford Lubitz and husband Jon, Atlanta, GA, Jordan Welch and fiancé Nick Williford, St. Louis, MO., Lizzi Hereford and partner James Valente, Truckee, CA., Zoe Hrindich and Genny Welch of McLeansboro. Great-grandchildren, Harper Welch, McLeansboro, IL., Grayson Welch, McLeansboro, IL., Logan Hereford, St. Louis, MO, Kaitlyn Hereford, St. Louis, MO, and Hayes Lubitz, Atlanta, GA. Several nieces and nephews survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Christopher; and brothers, Charles, Rodney and Arthur Welch; and a sister, Rita (Welch) Phister.
As per Don’s request, his remains were cremated and his family will have a memorial service at a later date with his ashes being buried at White County Memorial Gardens, Carmi, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Carmi Cancer Society and/or Juvenile Diabetes.
The Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
