Robert Lee "Bob" Welch, 79, of St. Martins, passed away Friday, February 3, 2017, at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He was born July 15, 1937, in Jefferson City, the son of the late John and Catherine (Martin) Welch. Bob served in the United States Army from January 15. 1959, until his honorable discharge on January 5, 1961. He was united in marriage on October 20, 1962, in Wardsville, to Helen Mertens who survives. Bob worked as a tree trimmer for Schrimpf Tree Service, Frank Twehaus Excavating, and retired from Stockman Construction in 2016. He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church. Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors including camping with his family. And most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his wife, Helen, he is survived by two sons, Kevin (Linda) Welch, St. Martins; Keith (Lori) Welch, New Bloomfield; one daughter, Kim (Donnie) Hampson, Lohman; seven grandchildren, Shelby Welch, Jacob Welch, Rachel Welch, Paxton Welch, Presley Welch, Seth (Lindsey) Hampson, Kaden Hampson; one brother, Donald (Dorothy) Welch, Jefferson City; and one sister-in-law, Betty Welch. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold and John Welch; one sister, Loretta Welch; and an infant sister who died at birth. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2017, at St. Martin Catholic Church with a prayer service at 3:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12 Noon Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at St. Martin Catholic Church with the Rev. Edwin A. Schmidt officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Martin Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the St. Martin Catholic Church, 7148 St. Martins Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.