Donald Rex Welch

He was born in Stanton, Nebraska, on August 1, 1931. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Casper, Wyoming.

As an adult, he served in the United States Navy for 4 years as an air traffic control tower operator in Seattle and at the Kodiak Naval Air Station.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he married his love, Marlys Cheney. They moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Don enrolled in aviation school. After finishing his flight training, the school hired him as one of their flight instructors. He later spent more than 25 years serving as captain for Frontier Airlines.

Don and Marlys then lived in Amarillo, Texas, for five years before moving to Kansas City in 1965. Don volunteered for many years at their church, Abiding Peace Lutheran. When they moved to the Denver area in 1977, he continued volunteering at their new church, Our Father Lutheran.

Don enjoyed a good book, especially biographies and history. But he really loved to travel the world with Marlys. They enjoyed over 20 trips to Europe, 6 cruises, and trips to Australia and New Zealand.

In 2012, Don and Marlys moved to Tallgrass Creek in Overland Park, Kansas, in order to be closer to two of their children.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Lona and Gaylord Welch, and his brother, Larry Welch. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marlys Welch, and three children: Lona Parker, Michael Welch, and Christine Pembrook (Brian). His family also includes 6 grandchildren: Luke Roth (Gretchen), Dan Roth (Maria), Jacob Roth, Kyle Welch, Matthew Welch, and Zoe Parker. Don is also survived by two step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on April 25, 2023, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park.