Richard B. Welch

Richard B. Welch, age 90, of Horton passed away on Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, in Kansas City, Mo., following a short illness. He was born on Aug. 31, 1913, in Arthur, Mo., to James and Myrtle Wasson Welch. On Dec. 24, 1934, he was married to Martha E. Perry in Nevada, Mo. Richard served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 in World War II. He served in the European Theater as a munitions worker where he earned three bronze stars and the Purple Heart. Upon returning home from the service, he purchased the Horton Grocery Store. In 1951, he became postmaster of Horton, a position he held until his retirement in 1976. Richard was a member of the Horton United Methodist Church. He served on the Balltown Cemetery Association Board for over 40 years, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 254 in Butler, Mo., for over 55 years. He was also a member of the VFW Post No. 2175 in Nevada.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Martha; his daughter, Jeanie Key and her husband Jerald, of Kansas City, Mo.; one grandson, Brian Key and his wife Jessica, of Ballwin, Mo.; two nieces, Shirley Zehr and Norma Edmonds, and four nephews, Joe Cole, Lawrence Cole, Bill Perry and Jerry Welch. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Levi and Roy Welch.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with John Nichols and Pastor Connie Locke officiating. Interment will follow in Balltown Cemetery, Horton.

Those who wish may contribute to the Balltown Cemetery Association in his memory.