Clarence "Rusty" Russell Welch

Springfield – Clarence “Rusty” Russell Welch, age 68, of Springfield, passed away on Oct. 27, 2018, at his home. Rusty kept any knowledge of his illness to his wife, son and sister, he also requested that there be no public service.

He was born on Nov. 2, 1949, in Springfield, the son of Lyle Keith and Mildred Mae Miller Welch.

He served in the US Air Force from 1967-71, He also attended the University of Hawaii being stationed in Honolulu. Rusty worked as a clerk for the US Postal Service both the Cook Street and the Sangamon Ave. location in Springfield.

Rusty was a loving and loyal father, husband and brother, and most of all grandfather, Della and Ean were certainly the lights of his life.  He was most at peace just sitting in his garage listening to music and watching it rain. During his time in Hawaii he developed a love of Motorcycles when he purchased his first Harley Davidson. He also had a love for Fishing, Hunting and playing cards.

He married Bonnie K. Gilson-Woods on Jan.11, 2002 in Springfield and she survives. Besides his wife, He is survived by his stepmother Winona Welch, his son Eric (Darci) Russell Welch of Sherman. Stepchildren Ryan Woods of Petersburg, Melanie Woods of Rochester and Jason Beard of Mt. Pulaski. A sister, Debbie Welch (companion Rick Byers) of Farmersville, 1 Stepbrother and 3 Stepsisters, a step granddaughter Avyanna Woods  and 3 Step Grandsons; Dylan Woods, Bryce Gietl and Nolan Gietl , 2 uncles and 2 aunts 4 nieces and 4 nephews and many cousins all survive.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Lyle Keith Welch II and sister Gloria Lynn Carnduff  and his Uncle Russell “Sonny” Davis Miller.

Friends and Family that would like to Memorialize Rusty’s life may do so by sending a donation to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis 

Private Family Burial will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery. 

Condolences to the family may be left at www.houghfuneralhome.com

The Hough Funeral Home in Farmersville is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.