Donald E. Welch

February 1, 1940 - April 9, 2020

Donald E. Welch, age 80 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Thursday morning, April 9, 2020, at 7:25 AM at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Donald was born February 1, 1940 in Perkins, Missouri. He was the son of Elige and Nettie A. (Neely) Welch. On February 1, 1958, Donald was united in marriage to Elva Jean Gore by Pastor Dunn at the minister’s home near Vienna. In addition to his wife, Jean, Donald is survived by: 2 sons – Scott (Marcia) Welch and Jeff Welch all of Vienna; 2 granddaughters – Courtney (Thomas) Jones of Vienna and Kimberley (Joe) Burdzy of Kennesaw, Georgia; 3 great grandchildren – Hayden and Logan Jones and Adalyn Burdzy; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends, including a dear friend – Lucy Conley. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his sister – Cleta Goins. Donald was a heavy equipment operator. He was a 50+ year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers – Local # 318. He also was a skilled carpenter. Donald was a member of the New Burnside Community Church. He was also a member of Saline Masonic Lodge # 339 A.F. & A.M. at Goreville. Donald had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and motorcycling. He was particularly fond of Honda motorcycles. A private family visitation and service will be conducted at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Pete Slivinski will officiate. Burial will be in the Cypress Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Stroke Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.