Barry Keith Welch's Obituary
Barry Keith Welch, age 50, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2015. Barry was born on November 29, 1964 in Chanute, KS the son of Warren Welch II and Mary Ellen Smedley.
Barry attended Erie grade school and then went on to graduate from Thayer High School. As a senior, he was the leading scorer as the team won the Class 1A State Basketball Championship in 1983. After high school, Barry played football for Pittsburg State University as a punter. While at Pitt State, they won the NAIA Conference in 1988.
Barry married Kim Kavocic, whom he later divorced, and together they had a daughter, Ashley Scott. He then married Dianna Smith and together they had Calub and Erin Welch. They later divorced.
Barry worked in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator and drove a semi for many years. Barry enjoyed watching sports and attending events with his children. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. His smile and love for others was always evident. He had a love for God that he shared with his family daily. Barry will be greatly missed.
Barry was preceded in death by his father Warren, maternal and paternal grandparents and several cousins.
He is survived by his children: Ashley Scott of Pittsburg, KS, Calub Welch and Erin Welch of Thayer, KS, his mother, Mary Ellen Smedley of Thayer, KS, a brother, Jess Welch and wife Brenda of Erie, KS, two sisters: Tina Byers and husband Mike of Humboldt, KS and Shelly Barnow and husband Rob of Chanute, KS, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Thayer Christian Church in Thayer, KS. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 6, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at the Thayer Christian Church. Interment will be at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer.
Family requests memorials to Educational Fund for Calub and Erin Welch and may be given to or mailed to the Countryside Funeral Home at 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS.
Countryside Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
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