Rex Welch

Rex Jerry Welch, 89, of Elk City, passed away on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at Independence First Church of the Nazarene in Independence, Kansas, with a burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas.

Rex was born on the 11th of February 1936, in Elk City, Kansas, as a son of Charles and Veta Welch. Along with his siblings and parents, Rex lived in many places as a child but always returned home to Kansas. In 1959, after serving in the U.S. Air Force, Rex married his one true love, Emma Lou Bearman. Rex and Emma had five children: Tonya (Jerry) Hart, Jerry (Mary) Welch, Joey Welch, Lisa (Monte) Dunham, and Marcus (Kellie) Welch, along with a bounty of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rex worked for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad for most of his life. In his free time, he loved spending time with family, playing sports, fishing, and tending to Emma’s beautiful gardens. Rex had a joyful spirit and was known for his love of singing—his cheerful voice could often be heard lifting spirits and bringing smiles to those around him. He was a happy man who enjoyed making others laugh and feel at ease.

He made it a point to ensure his children were in church on Sundays, and he read the Bible nightly, grounding his life in faith. Rex was known as a responsible provider, a faithful husband, and a sincere Christian. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering faith made him a good and faithful friend to many. His joyful personality and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Veta Welch; brothers Curtis Welch, Loren Welch, and Kyle Welch; sisters Doris Burns, Laura Lou McAfee, and Marie Black; and his wife, Emma Lou. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Webb and Rodrick Chapel & Crematory, Independence, Kansas