Leo Welker

Leo W. "Red" Welker, 86, of Jackson passed away Monday, April 10, 2017, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 2, 1930, in Kurreville, son of William "Bill" and Josephine "Josie" Ates Welker. He and Gloria Jackson were married Dec, 23, 1950, in Cape Girardeau.

Red attended Oak Ridge High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 27, 1948, and served honorably during the Korean War until Nov. 17, 1951. Soon after his discharge from the Army, he began a 32-year career with Southwestern Bell, retiring as an engineer.

Red was a member of Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau, the Telephone Pioneers of America, Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post No. 158 and Elks Lodge No. 2652 in Jackson and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

He was a fan of Cardinals baseball and enjoyed attending shooting matches. His collection of firearms went hand-in-hand with his love of hunting -- fox hunting, bird hunting and especially deer hunting with his daughter and son.

In addition to his wife of 66 years, Gloria Welker, loving survivors include a son and daughter, Keith (Suezan) Welker and Debbie (David) Fiorini of Millersville; seven grandchildren, Daryll (Billy) Franchi, Weston (Sara) Faller, Kody Welker, Dakota Welker, Jerrica (Tanner) Houchins, David Fiorini and Diana Fiorini; and a great-grandchild, Will Franchi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today in Chapel B of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Gary Brothers and Charles Lance officiating. Interment will be in Old Salem Cemetery near Millersville, with military honors.

The family suggests contributions be made to Old Salem Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.