Randy Welker

Randy R. Welker, 64, of Jackson passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 28, 1954, in Cape Girardeau County to Jean and Peggy Ates Welker. He and Rhonda Wilson were married March 12, 1988, at Iona Baptist Church near Oriole. They had one son, Ryan Welker.

Randy was raised in the Neelys Landing area. He attended Jackson High School, and out of necessity, left high school to work. Later in life, he earned his GED.

He became employed at the street department for the City of Jackson in 1972. In 1974, he became a firefighter for the city, and became an assistant fire chief in 1977. He retired in 1996.

Randy enjoyed working and always kept side-jobs until health rendered him unable to do so. He operated Welker and Davis Painting with Randy Davis, a fellow fireman; operated his own auto detail and body shop; and worked several years at Automobiles Unlimited, with his father-in-law, Tom Wilson.

He was a member of Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson and a former member of Iona Baptist Church. He enjoyed camping, yardwork, cooking and talk-radio, especially Rush Limbaugh.

Loving survivors include his wife of 31 years, Rhonda Welker of Jackson; a son, Ryan Welker, who is currently residing in Lawrence, Kansas, while earning his doctorate degree; a stepson, Bob (Jennifer) Berck and children Trenton and Emma of Cape Girardeau; his father-in-law, Tom (Jan) Wilson of Jackson; a sister-in-law, Angela (the late Rick) Welker of Marble Hill, Missouri; and three nieces, Gracelynn Welker of Marble Hill, Jeanna Welker of Sikeston, Missouri, and Sarah Bailey of Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Rick and Rodney "Rod" Welker; and his mother-in-law, Hazel (Hahs) Wilson.

Visitation will be from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Estes officiating. Burial will follow at New Bethel Cemetery near Pocahontas.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Shawnee Hills Baptist Church.

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