William H. "Bud" Welch, 92, of Aledo, died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, at Genesis Senior Living Center in Aledo.
Graveside and military services are 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at New Boston Cemetery. Visitation is 9-10 a.m. prior to services at Fippinger Funeral Home, Aledo. Memorials may be made to Mercer County VFW Post 1571 of which he was a member. Online condolences can be made at fippingerfuneralhome.com.
He was born May 11, 1921, in Mannon, Ill., to John and Elosia Hampton Welch. Bud married Ruth A. Smith. She died June 1, 2008.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for six years, was called back during the Korean War for 18 months. He survived two ships being torpedoed within 24 hours. He was injured, but his records were lost so he received his purple heart many years later.
Bud farmed briefly then managed the Standard Oil Station in Viola before managing the Standard Oil Training Station in Sandwich, Ill. He moved to California in 1960, then to Colorado in 1971, to work for the National Park Service, retiring in 1982.
He was maintenance manager for the 11 Mile Ranch Development in Lake George, Colo., until 2008.
Bud was a dedicated NASCAR fan and enjoyed restoring classic cars, dancing with Ruth and sightseeing in Colorado.
Survivors include one son, Rich (Chris) Smith, Aledo; one daughter, Marie (Steve) Rapp, Big Sky, Mont.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bernadine (Charles) Holten, Moline; Wilma Garrett, Paso Robles, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ruth; one son, Larry; and one sister, Marjorie.
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