The Superior Express -

Larry L. Welch, 80, of Jewell, Kan., died Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit. He was born April 9, 1941, on a farm in Jewell County, to Daniel and Hope (Ozmun) Welch.

Larry was a 1959 graduate of Esbon High School.

He married Vyonda N. Frost in Tucson, Ariz., on May 2, 1960. She preceded him in death on Dec. 21, 2012. To this union, three children were born, Jeffrey, Michael and Michelle.

Larry served in the United States Air Force and travelled extensively throughout the world during his 21 years of service. Larry and family resided in Tucson, Ariz.; Fairbanks, Alaska; Omaha, Neb.; Bangkok, Thailand where Larry worked at the American Embassy during the Vietnam War and Austin, Texas, where they retired prior to moving back to Kansas in 2004.

Larry enjoyed traveling, playing cards, bowling, water skiing, all college sports, especially University of Texas basketball, and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Hope; two brothers, Royal and Dean; and a sister, Virginia Gardener.

Survivors are sons, Jeffrey and Michael of the home; daughter, Michelle Crocker and husband,Ken, of Esbon; grandson, Kyle Baker of Lorena, Texas; grandson, Daniel Crocker of Portlan, Ore.; granddaughter , Brandy Crocker of Saginaw, Texas; great-grandchildren,Evan and Riley of Saginaw, Texas; sister, Marilyn West, Lenexa, Kan.; brother-in-law, John Frost and wife, Lila of Esbon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held from 1 until 4 p.m., Monday, July 12, at the Melby Mortuary in Mankato, Kan.

His funeral was held at10:30 a.m. Tuesday, at the United Methodist Church in Esbon, with Pastor Rod Rose officiating. Burial followed in the Esbon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Esbon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 86, Esbon, Kansas 66941 or Sam's Place, Esbon, Kansas. c/o Melby Mortuary, Mankato.