Raymond Welch January 6, 1940 - February 8, 2024

Raymond P. Welch, age 84 of Ozark, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. He was born January 6, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Jack M. and Elsie C. (Kohring) Welch. On June 10, 1966, in Willisville, Illinois, Raymond was united in marriage to Donna K. Byrd.

For over 20 years, Raymond proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. Raymond also worked 20 years of civil service, was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, serving the Lord with his family and active in his church all of his life. He will be sadly missed but his loving memory will live on forever in the hearts of his wonderful family members and friends.

Raymond is survived by his wife Donna Welch of their Ozark home; two sons Jeff Welch and wife Celinda of Seymour, Missouri, Jody Welch and wife Sharon of Nixa, Missouri. Raymond is also loved and survived by his grandchildren Sheyenne Welch, Sergeant Josiah Welch, Jordan Runcorn and husband Daniel, Sierra Welch and Reagan Welch; one great-grandchild Kit Runcorn.

Funeral services will be 9:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 8:30A.M. for an hour prior to the funeral service. Raymond will be laid to rest at 11:00 A.M. in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri. Raymond will be honored with a military escort to the Veterans Cemetery by The Greater Ozarks Warriors’ Watch Riders. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Seminole Baptist Church, 4221 S. National Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65810. On line condolences may shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com