William Howard Welty III, affectionately known as "Bill," of Mexico, Missouri, passed away on November 5, 2026, at the age of 77.

Bill was born on April 6, 1949, in Macomb, Illinois, to Howard and Jean Welty. He grew up in Macomb and attended Western Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History Education in 1972.

In October 1968, Bill met the love of his life, Kathy Jolley, at a high school football game between Macomb and Rushville, Illinois. What began as a meeting arranged by mutual friends blossomed into a lifetime of love and companionship. Bill and Kathy were united in marriage on August 21, 1970, at First Methodist Church in Rushville, Illinois. They made their first home together in Rushville before eventually settling in Mexico, Missouri, in March 1978.

Bill began his career in the grocery industry in 1968 with Giant Foods in Macomb, Illinois. Following Aldi’s acquisition of Giant Foods, he was promoted to manager of the Mexico, Missouri, store in January 1978. Throughout his career, Bill worked for several companies, including Aldi Foods, Gerbes in Columbia, Hickman’s IGA, County Market, and Moser’s. After a brief attempt at retirement in 2020, Bill returned to work at Moser’s, eventually reducing his hours before officially retiring in August 2024. His many years in the grocery industry reflected his strong work ethic, dedication, and genuine enjoyment of working with people.

Outside of work, Bill enjoyed a life filled with family, friendships, and the hobbies he loved. An avid golfer, he spent countless hours on the golf course, often playing several times a week. His enthusiasm for the game eventually inspired Kathy to take up golf herself, allowing them to share even more time together. Bill also enjoyed camping with family and friends, frequently bringing the grandchildren along for memorable adventures.

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Bill proudly supported his favorite team through all its ups and downs. Trips to St. Louis to watch the Cubs play were a cherished family tradition, as were visits to Wrigley Field, where he had first experienced Cubs baseball with his father and brothers. Bill also had a green thumb and took great pride in tending his vegetable and flower gardens. One of his special traditions was refreshing one of Kathy’s flower gardens each year as her Mother’s Day gift. Woodworking was another hobby Bill enjoyed, and he built many items for his children and grandchildren over the years, leaving them with special pieces made by his own hands. Music was another lifelong passion, and he accumulated an extensive collection of oldies that brought him great joy.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed coaching youth baseball, teaching his children to play golf and chess, and sharing everyday moments with them. Whether it was watching movies, cooking together, or spending time outdoors, Bill treasured the time he spent with his family. As a grandfather, Bill took special pleasure in sharing his interests and experiences with his grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching them to fish, taking them on golf cart rides, camping, and playing games. The close relationships he maintained with his grandchildren were among his greatest blessings.

Bill was a member of Southside Christian Church in Mexico, Missouri. He will be remembered for his friendly, outgoing personality and his remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Bill never knew a stranger and always seemed to find something in common with everyone he met. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Welty, of Mexico, Missouri; his three children, Michael (Meghan) Welty of Jefferson City, Missouri, Andrew (Tina) Welty of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Kari Wright of Mexico, Missouri; and his six grandchildren, Reaghan Cook (Jared Katona), Nathan Welty, Lindsey Welty, Trevor Wright, Riglee Welty, and Avery Barse.

He is also survived by his siblings, James Michael Welty, Barbara (Bill) Walton, and Susan (Brice) Welty Andrus; his sisters-in-law, Shirley Theilen, Donna Steeves, and Edie Toland; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Jean Welty; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Lola Jolley; his brother, Jack Welty; and his sister, Patricia Welty Bushue.

Bill’s legacy is one of love, family, friendship, and a life well lived. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation will be held at Southside Christian Church in Mexico, Missouri, on Friday November 13, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Southside Christian Church in Mexico, Missouri, on Saturday November 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Chris Harley. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Mexico, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Southside Christian Academy or Arthur Hills Golf Course.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico, Missouri.