Donald Allen Welch, 85, of North Platte passed away March 10, 2015 at the North Platte Care Center. He was born August 6, 1929 in North Platte to Robert Allen and Iliean Grace (Litz) Welch. Don grew up south west of Paxton, attending District #8 school through the 11th grade when he finished early to hunt and farm with his family. He farmed the family homestead his entire life. He entered the US Army in April 1951, serving in the Korean War. On September 11, 1951 he married Cassie L. Bryant in Paxton. After his discharge, he returned home to start his family and continue his love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and trapping. Don’s life centered around his family, hunting, and the outdoors. He did not know a stranger, would bail anyone out of jail once, and did not expect anything in return!
Survivors include his wife, Cassie of North Platte; children, Becky Vandewalker, Pat ( Teresa) Welch all of North Platte, Diane (Leo) Gonzalez of Lexington, Mike Welch of North Platte, William (Judy) Welch of Paxton, Tom Welch of North Platte, and Gina (Scott) Covington of Fredricksburg, VA; grandchildren, Matt ( Crystal) Welch of North Platte, Melissa (Mike) Logan of DeSoto, MO, Austin Welch of North Platte, Jeremy (Mandy) Evans of Hastings, Sadie (Brad) Worthing of Lexington, Jesse (Lacie) Evans of Elwood, Chloe Gonzalez, Barron Gonzalez both of Lexington, Kolby Welch of Ft. Collins, CO, Willy Welch of Omaha, Audrea Welch and Emily Welch both of Paxton, Max Covington and Alex Covington both of Fredricksburg, VA 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Emma Cooper of Lincoln; numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cecilia Rice; grandchildren, Molly Welch, and Connor Covington.
Memorials may be made to the Charge Syndrome Foundation for the disabled and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake service 6:00 p.m. MT Friday , March 13, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Church in Paxton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. MT Saturday, March 14, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Paxton with co-celebrants the Reverend Bryan Ernst and Reverend Ben Boyd officiating. Burial will follow at the Paxton Cemetery with full military honors graveside. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte which is in charge of arrangements.