Hubert Douglas Welch

Mr. Hubert D Welch, 89, of Clarksville, MO, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022. Cremation rites are being provided by Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, MO. Hubert was born the third son of William W. and Rena Atkins Welch on April 27, 1932 joining 2 older brothers, William A. and Alvin L. Welch. Though by today’s standards, they would’ve been declared in poverty because of the economics of the times, Hubert would say that they are very rich. (In Hubert’s words) We had a family that held a place for each of us with affection that was unsurpassed. In addition to the immediate family, we were blessed with aunts and a grandmother that would be there for us whenever they were needed. Childhood was a very happy time for all of us and we grew up in a family loved by one and all. The Eolia school was a place for learning and living among friends. If I needed something and couldn’t afford it a friend was there to help out. The town was my family. The teachers were my friends and other children’s parents were my parents as well. The church was filled on Sunday and that was followed by a visit and lunch at my aunt and grandmother’s home. I choose to attend college and was able to attend because of income I made working around town and raising turkeys. While attending college, I made life-long friends like Bill Griffin and Harlow Donaldson and earned a degree in teaching. I never worked a day in my life following the first day of teaching. Each day was like going on vacation and I did that for 55 years; teaching at schools in Clarksville, Louisiana, Troy, Ladue, and north St. Louis. My goal was to have each child enjoy school and learn to the best of his/her ability. Many students remained my friends throughout my life. Many friends made a profound statement in my life; teachers like Bill Parks, Marvin Henry, Mary Mitchell, Roy Hood, Doc Roberts, Ralph Monay, Darrell Harvey, Wayne Nienhaus, Bill Raish, Dale Miller, and Bob Fieberg. Superintendents; Ruth Jensen, Claude Brown, Charles McKenna, and others who were leaders in their field. I dare not mention my many teacher buddies and coffee friends for fear of overlooking some. Business people like Fred Troutner, Bill Shipp, Homer LaRue, Jim Cooper, and Marion Mackey; taught me values such as to always do what I agreed to do, but be careful what I agreed to do. My wife, Betty Ann, and her sister Helen, as well as my children, John H., Elsa, Elaine, and John E. deserve a medal for putting up with me for these many years. My grandchildren, Casie (Scott), Jonathan (Courtney), David (Jessica), Bryant, and Victoria could not be more special to me. They were the light of my life. Great grandchildren, Olivia, Ben, Mila, Marley, and Dominick were a joy each time I saw them, as well as my nieces and nephews. I didn’t classify myself a liberal or a conservative in either political or religious arena. I felt that many problems throughout the world were because people tried to force others into their way of life or form of government. Hatred comes about when we don’t understand the other guy’s heritage, needs, or values. Had we been raised in a different environment we probably would have chosen that way of life and formed those values. Tolerance is a value sorely needed in our shrinking world. Someone said, “A stranger is a friend we haven’t gotten to know yet”. As I say goodbye to family and friends, my regrets are that I will miss seeing you. I love you all. Don’t cry for me because life has been good, but doesn’t last forever. If you are reading this, I am probably missing you already and ask the you make the best of each and every day. A lifetime is of such a very short duration. I completed my journey here on February 4, 2022. Hubert. A private family burial of his ashes will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, MO at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Eolia Cemetery.

Hubert Douglas Welch

April 27, 1932 - February 4, 2022