John E. Welch of St. James, Mo., passed away at his home on May 16, 2011. He was 70 years and 14 days of age.

John E. Welch was born on May 2, 1941 in Rolla, Mo, to his parents: John Randall and Eva Cleo (Cowan) Welch. John Welch and Adelia Ann Skouby were united in marriage on August 6, 1960 at the High Gate Baptist Church. To this union four children were born.

John E. Welch enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, and passed away Monday doing what he loved to do; checking on his cattle. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. John was a salesman. He worked for Biedermans Furniture Stores in Missouri and Illinois and sold real estate along with his wife Adelia for over 30 years with the company they formed: Welch Real Estate. John was very active in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star having served as past Worshipful Master of the St. James Masonic Lodge 230 A.F. & A.M. and a past Worthy Patron of the St. James Eastern Star.

Surviving John E. Welch is his loving wife: Adelia Ann Welch of St. James, Missouri; two sons: John R. Welch and wife Tanya of St. Clair, Missouri; and James R. Welch and wife Holly of Bolivar, Missouri; two daughters: Pamela A. Tomasovic and husband Mike of Wildwood, Missouri; Patricia Ann Eickhorst and husband Larry of St. James, Missouri; one brother: James R. Welch and wife Helen of St. James, Missouri; four sisters: Betty Smith of Fenton, Missouri; Eva Lee Jordano and husband Chuck of Lake Orion, Michigan; Leora Gray and husband Doyle of Vichy, Missouri; Nedra Louzader and husband Don of Springfield, Missouri; along with twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Along with good family freind Lois Hencken.

Preceding John Welch in death are his parents: John Randall and Eva Cleo (Cowan) Welch; one sister: Wilma Miller; and two brother-in-laws: Noel Smith and Bob Miller.

Services
Visitation for John E. Welch will be from 3 - 8 P. M. on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

Masonic Service will be conducted on 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

Funeral Services will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 20, 2011 at at the High Gate Baptist Church in rural St. James, Missouri with Douglas Lane, Mark Bonham and Matt Boyd officiating. Burial will be in the High Gate Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Bert Thomas Sarchette; Richard Moen; Jeff Potts, Tony Skouby; Clint Dickinson, and Rusty Goodin. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Harry Iver Potts; Randy Miller, Doug Smith, Don M. Louzader and Billy Boyce.

Memorials may be given to High Gate Baptist Church or St. James Masonic Lodge.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.