Michael Alan Welch

Michael was born in Fort Worth, Texas on September 23, 1957. He spent part of his childhood in Amarillo, Texas. At the age of eight the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he remained a resident. As a youngster he was an avid swimmer, earning a drawer full of blue ribbons. In high school he played baseball, football and was a tuba player in the marching band. After high school Michael spent two years studying at UMKC. Over the next few years he held various jobs, several of them involving mail service and handling. This prepared him for a 28 year career at the Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery where he was supervisor of their mail department. For the last two years of his life Michael worked at Hallmark’s distribution center. Mike enjoyed playing his guitar and spending time at the shooting range with his friends and his son and brother in law. His greatest joy was his faith, and he was dedicated to his church. He loved attending church, Bible studies and found church friends who became like family.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Donald Rex Welch. He is survived by his sons, Kyle Joseph Welch (Sara Hanson) and Matthew Austin Welch. His family includes three grandchildren: Katie-Marie Josephine Welch, Malia Jo Welch, and Kieran Welch. Michael is also survived by his mother, Marlys Mae Welch, and his two sisters, Christine Diane Pembrook (Brian Pembrook) and Lona Gail Parker, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Michael’s church, Harmony Vineyard.