Jesse William "Bill" Welsh, Jr. was born December 16, 1924 in Holcomb, Missouri, and passed on December 11, 2010 at 5:45 a.m., in The Manor at Elfindale. He was the third of five children born to Jesse William Welsh, Sr., and Mayme Harrison Welsh, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his sister Helen Wells, her husband Charles A. Wells, Sr., as well as brother-in-law Robert Steury, sister-in-law Ann Welsh, and brother-in-law Stan Foltyn. He is survived by sister Hilda Orr & her husband Charles, of Springfield; brother Ruel Welsh of Columbus, Ohio; and sister Joan Steury, Springfield. Upon graduation from West Plains High School in 1943, Jesse was drafted into the Army, and was a World War II. veteran, serving 15 months in Europe with Co. C, 5th Infantry Regt. Of the 71st Infantry Division. He was awarded the combat Infantry Badge and the European Theater ribbon with two battle stars, Rhineland and Central Europe. His division was scheduled to be retrained and then sent to the Pacific for the invasion of Japan. He and the members of his unit were very thankful for the "A" bombs, which saved them and perhaps a million or more from being casualties if that invasion had taken place. Jesse graduated from Drury College in 1950, and was in insurance sales for several years, and was later a licensed real estate broker. He was then employed by McBee Looseleaf Binders for 18 years, retiring in 1992. He served in the Missouri Army National Guard for 30 years, retiring in 1984 with the rank of W4 (Warrant Officer, 4th Grade). He was a member of Campbell United Methodist Church for over 50 years, and served as church treasurer for 30 years. After retirement, Jesse enjoyed being a volunteer at St. John's Mercy Hospital, where he was awarded the 500 hours service pin. Jesse married Eleanor Ann Hutson in 1953, and to this union 2 daughters were born: Debbie Ann Shell (Don) of Springfield, and Marcie Elaine Drennan Morris, RN, of Lee's Summit, Mo., and her companion, Dewane Mooney, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., who survive him, as well as a grandson whom he is very proud of, Jason Drennan, DO, granddaughter-in-law Kristin, and his great-granddaughter Elise, of Gainesville, Florida. Jesse was very blessed to be able to enjoy a visit from Jason, Kristin, and Elise this past week, including the day before he died. He was very aware during their visit, and acknowledged their presence. In 1980, Jesse married Delores J. Stage, who predeceased him on February 27, 2010. Jesse has three stepsons who survive him: Sam Stage (Jane), Nashville, Tenn.; Tom Stage, Springfield, Mo.; and David Stage (Deanna), of Tulsa, Okla. There are also seven surviving step-grandchildren, and seven step-great-grandchildren. The entire family fondly remembers many Christmas Eve and 4th of July celebrations at Jesse and Dee's house, with all of the children and grandchildren in attendance from this "blended" and very blessed extended family. In January 2003, Jesse and Dee "downsized" and retired to The Waterford. They had many wonderful friends there, and Jesse continued to enjoy playing bridge there even after he moved to the Iron Bridge Retirement Community this past summer. His last and most recent time to play bridge there was on Monday, November 29th. Jesse also enjoyed playing bridge with his two sisters and brother-in-law, as recently as Thanksgiving Day. He was quick to point out that he had "beat them" at bridge that day. The body has been cremated. Memorial services will be Friday, December 17, 2010 at 10 a.m., in Campbell United Methodist Church under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, with full military honors and interment of cremains at 11 a.m., in the National Veterans' Cemetery located at the intersection of Glenstone Avenue and Seminole Street here in Springfield. No visitation is planned however friends may call at their convenience Thursday in the funeral home. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Michael Scott and his staff with St. John's Internal Medicine, for the excellent care provided to Jesse and Dee for well over 20 years. The family also wishes to thank: Pastors. Andy Bryan and Melissa Dodd, and Pastor of visitation Joe Lightner from Campbell United Methodist Church, and Donna Irish and Debbie Williams from the Care Team for their many visits and just "being there" for Jesse, Dee, and the family; the staff on 7A at St. John's Hospital for the excellent care he received while he was there for respite care; and to all the staff who so compassionately cared for Jesse at The Manor at Elfindale. And last, but certainly not least, the family wishes to thank St. John's HospiceCare for the very compassionate care and assistance provided to Jesse and his devoted daughters at the very end of his life. In lieu of flowers, it was Jesse's desire for memorial donations to be made to the Campbell United Methodist Church. Jesse William "Bill" Welsh, Jr.