Frank Ellis Welch

Frank Ellis Welch, 90, of Independence, MO passed away peacefully on October 16, 2011. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, October 20th at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel. Graveside service at Mt. Washington Cemetery (614 S. Brookside Ave. Indep., MO) on Friday,October 21, 2011 at 11am.

Frank was born in Springfield, MO on August 10, 1921 to Herschel Ellis Welch & Lula Belle (Spencer) Welch. He served proudly as an airplane radio operator in the United States Army Air Force during WWII, monitoring the west coast of the U.S. for submarines in the Pacific Theater. Following his military service, he worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for over 40 years. In addition to his military service and career with the railroad, he was a championship bowler for most of his life; winning numerous jackpots and trophies for various teams around the Kansas City area. Frank was also a motorcycle enthusiast and mechanic; he began riding and working on them during his teen years in Blue Summit, MO and continued to do so well into his 80s. He was an excellent automobile mechanic and restored vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s. Frank was an all around handyman and carpenter; building several garages, sheds and additions to his home in Independence. He was a member of Colonial Presbyterian Church and the Freemasons Brotherhood. Frank was active and happy to the end.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Edmund and his sister, Thelma Crow. He is survived by his former spouse, Christine DeAtley who was his lifelong companion and caretaker; his children, Steven Ellis Welch (Debbie) and Carla Welch Arthur (James); his grandchildren, Michael Ellis Welch (Rustie), Amy Cronley Welch, Patrick Benjamin Welch, Carrie (Arthur) Bowman (Glenn) of Coarsegold, CA; Vincent James Arthur of Fresno, CA and his great-grandchildren, Damon Welch, Ashley Welch, Caitlyn Bowman of Coarsegold, CA, twins, Lydia & Caitlyn Welch, Parker Welch and twins, Sophia & Thomasina Welch.