Edward Welch

Edward “Dude” Welch, 89, of Liberal, passed away on April 7, 2018 at the Wheatridge Care Park in Liberal, KS.

He was born on August 18, 1928 to Edward and Birdie (McQuillen) Welch at Berry, AL.

On June 13, 1963 he married Thelma Walker at Clovis, NM; she preceded him in death in 2004.

Dude grew up running tug boats up and down the Mississippi River. He served with the US Army during WWII. In the early 1960’s he was hitchhiking to Clovis, NM to visit his aunt when he came through Liberal and met Thelma Walker, whom he later married. After he married Thelma he worked many jobs around Liberal including work in Oilfields, Liberal Mobile Homes, Hog Slat and various construction and remodeling jobs; he retired in 2006. Dude enjoyed the outdoors, collecting, trading, taking photos, and listening to Country Music.

Dude is survived by his Son- Eddie Welch and wife Traci of Hooker, OK; Three Grandsons- Earl Watt and wife Heather of Liberal, KS, David Watt of Quanah, TX, Sean McCormick of Hooker, OK; Granddaughter, Ashley Holt of Perry, OK; Seven Great Grandchildren- Rustin Watt, Damon Watt, Victoria Corral, Heather Watt, Reagan Watt, Ren Watt and Falynn Holt; One Brother – Buster McQuillen of Oakman, AL.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; Son- Al Welch, Brother- Ben Welch.