Jerry Howard Welsh died on November 29th at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, KS.
He was the son of Jack and Donna Welsh. He was born on December 14, 1951 in Junction City. He grew up in Alida during his early childhood and elementary years.
The family moved to their current location west of Junction City in 1963, where he resided the remainder of his years, neighboring his parents and siblings.
Jerry never met a stranger he was friendly, hardworking and determined. He was gifted mechanically and had a way of figuring things out. He was able to work on anything and enjoyed doing so. His advice and guidance were often sought after by others.
Jerry graduated from Chapman High School in 1969. Following high school he went to Salina Vo Tech graduating in 1971 with a degree in automotive mechanics.
He and Debbie Longhofer (Welsh) married in 1971, they later divorced. After school he went to work for his father at Easy Jack and Sons Salvage Yard and went on to work with his father in law at Linder Livestock buying and selling hogs. He finished his employment years working at Russel Stover’s retiring in 2018.
During his life he was well known for driving Easy Jack blue equipment and racecars with the number 39 and a buzzard on the door. He drove the high side and earned multiple track championships in the 1980’s. The majority of the 1990’s were devoted to his children and their endeavors coaching and attending wrestling tournaments, tennis matches, choir concerts and plays. He enjoyed attending the races at Kansas Speedway and developed quite a geriatric crew to attend the races with him.
After retirement he built a shop and enjoyed working on his projects and visiting with people there.Jerry had a large family and loved spending time with them. He lit up when his grandchildren were present and was always a kid at heart with an ornery side. He may have been known to even enjoy a Busch Light or two.
Jerry is survived by his Mother Donna Welsh, his partner of 16 years Lisa Paciorek and her daughters Bethany (Pablo) Barreras, and Carolyn Paciorek. Daughter Nicole (Tad) Murphy, son Jared Welsh, brothers John Welsh, Joe (Annie) Welsh, Jamin (Anita) Welsh, and sister Shawna Welsh. He has 11 grandchildren, and countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his dad Jack Welsh, sister, Sandra Welsh and nephew Keith Riffel.
Memorial Services for Jerry will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Chapman United Methodist Church.
Family will receive friends Friday evening from 5-8 PM at Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel. Family suggests memorials be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the American Diabetes Association.
Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel, PO Box 411, Chapman, Kansas 67431. Online condolences may be sent to www.londeenfuneralchapel.net.