Graveside services for Gary Leon Welch, 72, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Welch passed away Monday, September 30, 2019 at his home.

He was born July 16, 1947, at Dora, Missouri, to Henderson J. Welch and Fannie Ann Croney Welch.  On March 21, 1970, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Lila Florence Warren, who preceded him in death on June 20, 2006.  Mr. Welch had been employed with Crown Tractor and Stewart Farms.  He enjoyed working with metal and making things.

He is survived by his special friend, Nelma Piper; two children, Gary Bakken and Kevin Collins and wife, Margaret; many grandchildren; and two nephews, Waymon Welch and Jamie Welch.

His parents, wife, five brothers and seven sisters, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideon Bible Society and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.