Bro. Frank Welch

Bro. Thomas Franklin “Frank” Welch, 71, of Bowling Green, went to join Jesus in his heavenly home on Friday, October 3, 2025, at his home in rural Bowling Green. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory in Bowling Green with Bro. David Land and Bro. Jim Miller officiating. Burial will be in Millcreek Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, October 10, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Frank was born January 9, 1954, to Joseph Thomas and Betty Lee (Colbert) Welch in Louisiana, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Rebecca Louise Bontz on September 15, 1972, in the Clarksville Christian Church. Rebecca survives. Also surviving are children, Andrea Elizabeth Welch of St. Peters, Missouri, Thomas Francis Welch (Amanda) of Curryville, Missouri, and Timothy Matthew Welch of Bowling Green, Missouri; grandchildren: Emma Nicole Langston, Reilly Oneal Langston, Abigail Lovelace, Cody Thomas Welch, Destinee Breann Welch, Hunter Levi Welch, Theodore Riley Welch, and Abigail Jean Lovelace; great-grandchild, Ezekiel Thomas Welch; siblings: Brenda Lee Martin (Kenny Pickard), Margaret Joann Stonebraker (Allen), Kevin Dwayne Welch (Shirley), and Betsy Jean La Rue (Forrest); sister-in-law, Debbie Irene Welch; special friends, David, Rose, and Amy Land, and the parishioners of Peno Baptist Church; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Allen Welch; nephews, Joseph Welch and Joshua Stonebraker, and great-granddaughter, Macy Welch. Frank grew up around the Clarksville, Missouri area and attended Clopton schools, graduating in 1972. Following graduation, Frank worked at Morton’s Buildings and AP Green in Mexico, Missouri, and also operated a tree cutting service. He also operated Welch Brother’s Construction and Lumber with his brother, Allen Welch. Frank obtained Biblical Studies from Liberty University. In 1998 Frank was ordained at Peno Baptist Church. At that time, he and his family also relocated to rural Bowling Green. He began as Pastor of Peno Baptist Church and soon after, the Salt River Baptist Association, as Director of Missions; both of which he held until his passing. Frank established the Pike County Christian School in 2006 and was currently serving as the Superintendent and Principal. He also served as an executive board member on the Missouri Baptist Convention, 2009-2012. He led a multitude of Christian leadership trainings. In 2005, Frank attended a mission trip to the Philippines where over 3,600 people were saved. He also attended many state-side missions. Frank was once honored by the St. Louis Rams for all his humanitarian works. He was a true “Faith Hero” and will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. Serving as pallbearers will be Aaron Welch, Ashley Welch, Christopher Martin, Austin Welch, Nick Welch, Joseph La Rue, Zach La Rue, and Blake La Rue. Memorials may be made to the Pike County Christian School.

Bro. Frank Welch

January 9, 1954 - October 3, 2025