William A. "Bill" Welker

William A. "Bill" Welker, 84, of Advance died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 24, 1924, in Gideon, the son of Conder and Ethel Allen Welker. He and Mary Henson were married on April 29, 1967, in Oran. She died Jan.1, 2007.

He was a highly decorated Army veteran during WWII from Jan. 9, 1943, to Dec. 6, 1945. He was a member of VFW Post 3838. He worked for Days Transfer over 50 years.

He is survived by: son, Jimmy Henson of Oran; daughter, Sharon Elliott of Jackson; daughter, Shirley McClard of Jackson;

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one sister.

Visitation will be held at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral service will be at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Ed Carter officiating.

Interment will be at Gravel Hill Cemetery near Aquilla with military rites by Missouri Honor Team.

Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.