Gene Welsh

Gene Welsh, age 89 of Springfield, MO passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 21, 1935 to Opal (Redford) Welsh and Loren Welsh in Willard, MO. He attended Willard school and started a career with Frisco Railroads traveling throughout Missouri on the rail crew. In 1955 after a stint in the naval reserve he enlisted in the United States Air Force becoming an Air Force Military Policeman, receiving several commendations and medals awarded for longevity and excellency conduct. He was especially proud of his time in the service in England as a patrolman, he talked about it often. He was discharged in November 1960 after a distinguished military career.

Following military service he joined the Springfield Police Department, while walking the beat one cold winter day he was invited inside a downtown store to warm up meeting Barbara Kossen, the rest is history. They were married on April 3, 1961 and enjoyed 64 years together until his passing.

Gene was a very well respected in a long career as a correctional Supervisor with the Bureau of Prisons. He was an excellent trainer and always set a good example as to what a stern and successful officer should be. Gene was a wealth of information and always passed bits of advice that stayed with you. He retired in 1986 from the correctional facility in El Reno, OK. While at Metropolitan Corrections Center Miami, Gene developed a love for Florida beaches. This developed into a love for Sanibel Island resulting in many vacations there just enjoying the sand & surf.

Gene was preceded in death by three children. Michael Gene, H. David and Karen Teresa. Four sisters Helen, Maxine, Irma and Sandy. Four brothers Bill, Bob, Butch and Ronnie.

Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years Barbara of the home. Son Chris Welsh & wife Myra, granddaughter Marika Conrad & husband Josh, Anna McKnight & husband Ryan, twin Great Grandsons Carter & Cash Conrad; Grandson Jacob Welsh of Booneville, MO. Sister Barbara Blair & husband Benny of Baton Rouge, LA, AND his faithful dog “Ginger”

Visitation for Gene Welsh (No middle name, said he never needed one) will be 9:00am Tuesday January 28, 2025 at the funeral home with memorial services to follow at 10:00am under Direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E Walnut Street Springfield , MO. Graveside Service to follow at Resurrection Cemetery with full military honors.

Gene was a man of many names. To some he was “Big Daddy” but his favorite was “Pappy”