Gary J. Welker, 84, of Perryville died Sept. 10, 2021, at Southeast Hospital. Mr. Welker was the owner/operator of Imperial Foundation in Imperial and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Highland. He also was a Korean War era veteran of the U.S. Army. He was born Oct. 13, 1936, in Perryville, the son of the late Lawrence and Irene (Weiss) Welker.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years: Delores M. "Dee" Abney Barr, whom he married on Dec. 21, 1991, in Arnold; a son: Harry J. (Jean) Welker of Broken Arrow, Okla.; a stepson: Jay (Carol) Barr of Festus; a stepdaughter: Carolyn (Pete) McCue of Arnold; a brother: Roger (Diana) Welker of Pevely; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a stepson: Michael Barr; and a sister: Velda Sadler.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Ford and Young Funeral Home in Perryville. A rosary service will be held at 8:30 a.m., followed by visitation at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the funeral home. A funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Highland, officiated by the Rev. Joe Geders. Burial is in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery in Highland, with military honors by the American Legion and Delta Team. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Ford and Young Funeral Home.