Jerry Dale Welch

Ava, Missouri

Jerry Dale Welch, 77 years, 9 months, and 26 days old, passed away on July 27, 2025 at his home with family by his side.

Jerry was born October 1, 1947 in Ava, Missouri to Virgil and Barbara (Lacey) Welch.

He was inducted in the United States Army in September 1967 and served in the 199th Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War in 1969.

Jerry and Joyce Adams were united in marriage on February 24, 1989 in Ava, Missouri.

During their 36 years of marriage, Jerry and Joyce enjoyed hunting, attending grandkids sporting events, riding the side by side together, and feeding fish in the pond.  They enjoyed many adventures together.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing trips with his friends and family, gun shows, auctions, and passed on his knowledge of hunting and fishing to anyone that would listen.  Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He started work in 1970 at Hutchens Industries in Mansfield, Missouri and retired from the Seymour Plant 38 years later in 2008.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruby Sue Welch; brothers, Orville Marion Welch and Ernest Neil Welch; father and mother in laws, Neil and Irene Adams; first wife and mother of his children, Sue Pearce Welch and grandson, Brady Ray Lee.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joyce Welch, of the home; two daughters and son in-laws, Debbie and Rory Boeddeker of Ava and Missy and James Lawler of Ava; two granddaughters, Emily and Gerald Smith of Ava and Bailey and Garrett Bovard of Mustang, Oklahoma; two grandsons, Nick and Peter Lawler of Ava; two great-granddaughters, Charlie Sue Smith and Blaire LeeAnn Bovard; brothers, Larry Welch, Henry Welch, and Lyle Welch; sister Judy Laney; brother in-law, Andy Adams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Funeral services for Jerry will be Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes, Inc., Ava, Missouri.  Burial will be in the Ava Cemetery with full military honors.  Visitation will be Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.  Officiating will be  Denzill Turner and Andy Adams.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.