Michael Duffey Welch, 53, of Gladstone, MO passed away November 13, 2017 at the St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza in Kansas City, MO. Mike was born February 11, 1964 in Siloam Springs, AR to Billy LaVerne and Veda Joan (Bedell) Welch.
Mike graduated from Oak Park High School, where he earned the title of Mr. Wrestler in 1982. Following high school, Mike attended SouthWest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO and spent the majority of his working career as a car salesman. He had a zest for life, an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. His passions in life were watching sports and listening to music. He was considered by many a Grill Master.
Survivors include his step-father, Michael Ray Bedell; a brother, Billy LaVerne Welch, II; five sisters, Kathy Hass, Sherrie Rackley, Patsy Roberts, Cindy Miller and Michelle Franklin; his dear friend and ex-wife, Virginia “Pic” Walenta; and his precious granddaughter, Olivia Lynn “Peanut” Welch. On February 25, 2016, Mike lost his only child and his best friend, John “Duffey” Welch. In addition to Duffey, Mike was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Benjamin Michael Welch.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Mike’s life from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville. Graveside services will be private. Memories of Mike and condolences may be shared with the family at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
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Mike was considered a best friend since attending New Mark Middle School. Oh yes, he was always cocky and a smart ass but that’s what made him Mike. We went through a lot together both good and bad. I wish I would have been a better friend over the past couple of years. Love you brother!
Mike was one of a kind. He willbe dearly missed. R. I. P Mike.
May God hold your family in the palms of His hands during this difficult time.
Mike always had a smile no matter what was going on. He was a great friend both in New Mark and Oak Park. I graduated in 1982 with him from Oak Park and I was honored when he sang for for my husband and I recently one week before we married in May at our get together at the No 9 Saloon . He was fabulous and had an awesome voice and sang our favorite song. Thank you Mike for making great memories for us to cherish! You will be missed.
I simply can’t believe this. Mike will certainly be missed. He was one of a kind. Funny, thoughtful, giving, and simply REAL. I have known Mike since junior high school and there iare simply no bad memories I have of him. He always tried to do something to make you smile. I am so blessed to have had you in my life Mikey… I will miss your kind, funny, smarty pants ways! God Speed my friend, and I am so happy that you are with your son once again. 💔😢
Even though I have not seen you in a very long time I have missed you dearly and will always continue to..i love you Uncle Mikey
Rest in peace, Mike.
My heart aches but yours is mended cause youll be with your son again im gonna miss our talks and your pick me ups youll be greatly missed you will always be in my heart rest now watch over your peanut
Pic,
Im so sorry for your loss. I loved Mike like a brother. I will miss him terribly.