Jesse Lee Welsh, of Ash Grove, departed this life and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the age of 92.

Jesse Lee was born on May 31, 1931, to Jesse W. and Margarete (Hensley) Welsh.  Jesse Lee and Verma Lea Strait were united in marriage on June 15, 1957, and shared over 60 years together, before Verma Lea passed away in 2018.

Jesse Lee was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Aldrich, MO in 1949 and then went into the United States Air Force from 1951-1955 during the Korean War. He worked for Chiles Tractor and Supply for over 17 years and then began his career as a motor grader operator for Greene County Highway Department where he retired after 25 years. Jesse Lee was baptized in Turkey Creek at the age of 12 and was the oldest living member of Aldrich United Methodist Church. While raising his family, he attended Ash Grove Baptist Church and most recently he had faithfully been attending Sac River Cowboy Church. Jesse Lee took part in establishing the football program in Ash Grove and was an original member of the Chain Gang. He had a volunteer's heart and when he saw a need in the community, he was there to help, no matter if it was with the school or helping with the ambulance service. Jesse Lee was a true Ash Grove Pirates fan, and he thought the St. Louis Cardinals were pretty great too. He loved his family and friends. The community has lost a sweet Christian man.

Jesse Lee is survived by his loving family: two sons, Mark Welsh and wife Denise of Ash Grove, Marty Welsh and wife Melanie of Aldrich; 5 grandchildren, Kyle Welsh, Jacob Welsh, Amy Johnston, Kristin Blair, Jaime Blair; 10 great grandchildren, Zoë Welsh, Leeden Welsh, Jordan Johnston, Zander Vaughn, Kollin Vaughn, Keatin Vaughn, Abigail Vaughn, Dylan Blair, Lily Blair, J.B. Blair; special great granddaughter, Aubrey Faye; brother-in-law, Roy Strait and wife Norma; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. The family would like to thank Katie Jump for her loving care.

Jesse Lee was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verma Lea Welsh; infant son, Myron Doyle Welsh; great grandson, Jake Johnston; sisters, Betty Melton and Ava Mae Welch.

Visitation will be from 5:00PM until 7:00PM, Friday, October 6, 2023, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will be 10:00AM, Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, with burial to follow at Ash Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ash Grove Care to Learn or building fund for Aldrich United Methodist Church and may be left at the funeral home.