Francis Welch, 85, De Soto, Iowa, formerly of Parnell, Missouri, died Sunday, July 25, 2010, at the V.A. Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.

Francis was born September 19, 1924, in Parnell, Missouri to Frank I. and Christie B. Waldeier Welch.

A graduate of Parnell High School, he was a farmer. Francis served in the army during both World War II and the Korean War.

He married Helen Echterling February 1, 1947, in Stanberry, Missouri. They later divorced.

He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, West Des Moines, IA and a former member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Curry-Richardson-Sparks-Waldeier American Legion Post #528 in Parnell.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers: Victor Welch, Bobby Welch, Sylvester Welch and sister Rose Mary Welch.

Survivors include daughters: Linda (Kenny) Simmons, Parnell, and Mary (Jim) Waldeier, Maryville; sons: Donald (Kim) Welch, Oregon, MO, Edward (Linda) Welch, Maryville, twins: Cleo (Terri) Welch, Maryville and Leo (Joni) Welch, Warner Robins, GA and David (Dayleen) Welch, Bedford, IA; twenty grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; brothers: Bill Welch, Maryville; Jim Welch and Bernard Welch, both Parnell and Larry Welch, Fairfield, CA; and companion Sarah McQueen, De Soto, Iowa.

Visitation is 6:00-7:30pm, Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Parnell, Missouri, followed by a Parish Rosary at 7:30pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Parnell, with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Parnell

Memorials may be made to the Curry, Richardson, Sparks, Waldeier American Legion Post #528, Parnell.