Donald Frederick Welch, 91, of Jefferson City, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Capital Region Medical Center.

Born on December 16, 1932, in St. Martins, Missouri, he was the son of John and Catherine (Martin) Welch.

"Tookie," as he was affectionately known, proudly served his country in the United States Army, beginning in 1953 and earning the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1955.

On November 10, 1956, he married Catherine O’Dwyer, who preceded him in death on November 4, 1976. He later found love again and married Dorothy Frances Lecuru on September 29, 1979, who survives him at their home.

Don began his career as a skilled heavy equipment operator during his military service in Alaska, where he developed a huge dislike of cold weather. After his service, he owned and operated “Don’s 66 Service Station” in Apache Flats, earning community respect through his strong work ethic and dedication to quality. He later returned to heavy equipment operation, working with Local 513 Operating Engineers for 40 years, and then spent 10 years with Cole County Public Works before retiring in 1998.

He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, lending his skills in the construction of the original Cathedral. Don had a strong, unwavering faith regardless of what life sent his way. He was a loving, quick-witted, hard-working, and at times, stubborn man, who often said, “Any job worth doing is worth doing well.” Don found joy in simple pleasures — feeding the fish and enjoying nature at his lake, working in the yard on his John Deere tractor (always at full throttle), playing cards, sharing stories and memories, and anything chocolate — especially, pie! 

Above all, Don treasured the time spent with his family, particularly at “PaPa’s Lake” and during Sunday afternoon visits. His presence will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Welch of Jefferson City; his children, Brian (Cathy) Welch of Jefferson City, Carol (Kurt) Dudenhoeffer of Jefferson City, and Jim (Mary) Welch of Springfield; his stepsons, Bruce (Shosh) Lecuru of Coral Gables, Florida, and Paul (Tonya) Lecuru of Shawnee, Kansas. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jessica Welch, Katie (Michael) Eichner, Kelly (Ryan) Wisch, Kristen (Jeremy) Landrey, Kimie (Aaron) Grimm, Kara (Noah) Wood, Jake Welch, Lauren McAlexander, Megan Lecuru, Andrew Lecuru, Nick Lecuru, and Jacob Lecuru; his daughters-in-law, Dianna Welch, and Melody Lecuru; eight great-grandchildren (with two more on the way), three step-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Larry Don Welch, his stepson Mark Lecuru, his grandson Jason Welch, and his brothers Harold, John, and Robert.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes in Jefferson City, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, officiated by the Rev. Stephen Jones. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Services are entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. For more information, visit trimblefunerals.com.