Leslie Don Welch

Leslie Don Welch, known as Don or Donnie by most, was born on May 25, 1937 in Ottumwa, Iowa, and went to his heavenly home on July 25, 2022. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Krebs Welch; his five children, Robert Welch (Roz Miller) of Independence, Carl Andrew Welch (Cheryl House) of Fernley, NV, Leslie Marlene Welch (Diana Agundez) of Atwater, CA, Donna Kay Welch of Gladstone and Dorothy Marie Welch Gibson (Mathew) of Kansas City. He also has six grandchildren, Robert Welch Jr., Wesley Welch (Desiree Tomas Welch) of Kirkland WA, Carla Jean Welch Encalade (Cody) of Livingston, CA, Kayleigh Marlene Welch (Nelson Bettencourt) of Merced, CA, Danielle Paige Gibson VanHoecke (Nicholas) of Gladstone and Marissa Nicole Gibson of Kansas City. He has seven great grandchildren, Isabella Welch, Tristan Welch, Evan Encalade, Andie Encalade, Kayson Welch-Bettencourt, Levi Welch- Bettencourt, Hayleigh Welch-Bettencourt and an eighth due in December to Danielle and Nicholas. He also leaves six siblings, William Welch, Helen Ward, Judy Dreier (Bob), Eddie Welch (Sharon), Suzie Whitwell and Jim Welch; sister-in-law, Ernestine Welch; as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Welch, one brother, Charles Welch, three brothers-in-law, Charles Ward, Richard Crawford and Jesse Whitwell, two sisters-in-law, Dolores Welch and Peggy Welch, also nieces and nephews, Kathy Ward Jones, Greg Ward, Ricky Crawford, Larry Crawford and Cheryl Crawford.

Don served in the US Air Force based at Castle AFB in Atwater, CA, as an airplane mechanic. He worked as a milk delivery man until he became an automotive mechanic. He worked for many years for Jerry Green and Merollis Chevrolet. In the early 1980's he opened his own shop, D&S Automotive in Liberty, MO. His dream came true in 1986 when he built his own building and it still runs today by Dorothy as the manager. He was a proud member of the IAM Machinists' Union for over 50 years. He was also a member of St. Charles Borromeo parish and American Legion Post 95 in Liberty.

Don was a true outdoorsman...fishing, hunting, canoeing, snow skiing, camping and traveling. For several years he and his friends would go to the Canadian boundary waters for a fishing trip. The stories he would tell.

He loved to motorcycle ride and always drove Hondas. His last purchase was a Honda Trike which he and his wife would take on their annual trip to south Texas. He drove to California up the Pacific Coast Highway and the Devils Gap.

Don would do anything for anyone. He loved a good dirty joke and would tell them over and over again. He lived a good life, married to his wife for 60 years and never turned away from an adventure. He will be missed by many. RIP... no more pain, diabetes, heart issues, neuropathy or seizures. You are free and healthy!

Don's family members would like to thank the City of Gladstone first responders, and Crossroads Hospice aides Sandy and Lisa, and his nurse Pat for their care.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 am, followed by a service celebrating Don's life at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, I-35 at State Route 291, Liberty, MO. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 am, followed by a service celebrating Don’s life at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, I-35 at State Route 291, Liberty, MO. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.