PETE WELCH

JASPER- A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church in Carthage for Stephen Richard “Pete” Welch, 63, Jasper, who died Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, at his home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home, Lamar.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to Bill Glass' "Behind The Walls" Prison Ministry, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Survivors include one son, Chris Dunning and wife Laurie, Edmond, Okla.; two daughters, Jennie Dalton and husband Lester, Carthage and Heather Welch and Devon Meyer, Jasper; his mother, Joanne Garrett, Joplin; two sisters, Keni Joe Garrett and Kim Ann Garrett, both of Joplin; 12 grandchildren, Abbi, Chloe, Gabe, Landon, Lyric, Jade, Ethan, Jakob, Koleby, Drew, Luke and Claire; his life companion, Kim Turner, Jasper and his beloved dog, "Sophie Jo".

He was preceded in death by his wife, Penni and his father, Carl.

Mr. Welch was born Nov. 11, 1958, in Baxter Springs, Kan., to Carl Welch and Joanne Joshephine Garrett. He was a 1976 graduate of Baxter Springs High School. He married Penni Lynne Welch on Aug. 11, 1990, in Jasper.

He served in the United States Army. He worked as the Quote Administrator/Production Planning for Leggett and Platt, Inc. and also as a local driver for D&D Sexton on the weekends. He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan. He led a full life. In his last 20 years he had dedicated his life to Jesus, which was evident in the organizations he was involved in, the Christian Motorcycle Association and Bill Glass' "Behind The Walls" Prison Ministry.

Mr. Welch was a member of the First Christian Church in Carthage. He had troubles in life, fought through them, had faith and showed others how to have faith. Always trying to do his best, and always had a smile and hug for friends and family.