Kenneth D. "Ken" Welch, age 59, of Eldon, died Monday, September 1, 2008, at Lake Regional Hospital. He was born in St. Louis on April 20, 1949, a son of the late Harold and Delores (Premore) Welch. On June 10, 1983 in St. Louis he was married to Joyce (Cruse) Purdom, who survives at the home.

Kenneth was in his 38th year working for AmerenUE Local 148 and was the Chief Shop Stewart. He was a member of the Osage Men's Club. He was the former Lake Ozark Scoutmaster and was the Assistant Scoutmaster for the Eldon Troop. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eldon where he taught Sunday school and ushered for many years. Kenneth enjoyed fishing, boating, gardening, and traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Others who survive him include: five children, Diane Abbott and husband Bryan of Fulton, David Welch of Lincoln, Nebraska, Thresa SoWel and husband Robert of Lincoln, Nebraska, Carla Danna and husband Michael of Chesterfield and David Purdom and wife Amanda of Dupo, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Derek, Amanda and Emma Abbott, Robert Sokolik, Emily SoWel, Abrielle and Delaney Danna and Natalie and Savannah Purdom; one sister, Joan Schweickhardt and husband James of Lodi, California and two brothers, Douglas Welch and wife Fern of Foristell and Dennis Welch and wife Judy of St. Charles.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, at the First Baptist Church of Eldon. Rev. Bob Buster, Rev. Daniel Popovich and Bro. Charlie Kempf will officiate.


Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at Rekus Funeral Home in Eldon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.