John E. Welch, 58, of LaPlata, Missouri, departed this world on the morning of August 4, 2016 in the arms of his wife of nearly thirty-eight years while listening to the song "In the Arms of the Angels".

Surviving are his wife Lisa (Crnic) Welch whom he married on December 30, 1978. Also surviving is one son and his wife of Kansas and three grandchildren; two sisters and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was born in San Diego, California on October 11, 1957 the son of John D. and Julia A. (Hussing) Welch who preceded him in death.

John worked several jobs in his life. The most special to him was his short stint at the Kirksville Diagnostic Center in 1978. It was there he unknowingly met his future mother-in-law. It was also there where he saw and decided he would marry his current wife. John and Lisa worked together at the Sirloin Stockade in Kirksville where he was Assistant Manager, Gladstone and Liberty, Missouri where he was manager.

After returning to the Kirksville area in 1979 he ran his own heating and cooling business. In 1983 he decided to better his and his families life by taking a job in Lenexa, Kansas with a small Electric Company, SKC. He became the CEO of the communications division of that nationwide company. He retired from there in 2000 when the companies dissolved. After a short stint with Kraft Foods, John was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2004.

John loved his family and friends. He enjoyed helping others with electrical, computers, or anything they needed done.

John fought a long battle and will be greatly missed.

Public visitation will be held Monday, August 8, 2016, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Kirksville, with Father Colin Franklin presiding.

Cremation will follow Mass and he will be interred at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Lisa Welch. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.