Herbert Franklin Welch
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In Loving Memory of Herbert Franklin Welch
Herbert Franklin Welch was born on January 26, 1960, in Iowa—arriving so quickly there wasn’t time for formalities, jokingly called a “drive-by birth.” He passed away on February 7, 2026, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to family. He was a devoted husband, incredible stepdad, proud Papa, loving uncle, and loyal brother who believed deeply in taking care of the people he loved.
Herb married the love of his life, Kay Limbach, on October 12, 1996. Their marriage was built on commitment, partnership, and shared laughter. Herb showed his love through actions—by showing up, lending a hand, and making sure things were done right.
Herb found joy in the simple things: time spent with family, a cold Budweiser at the end of the day, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
He had a remarkable ability to build or fix just about anything. If something was broken, Herb figured it out. If it didn’t exist yet, he could build it. He may not have followed instructions word for word, but he always got the job done—with a Budweiser in hand and a few choice swears along the way.
Herb leaves behind his beloved wife, Kay Welch; three stepchildren, Chris Laboi (Heather), Jennifer Pace (Jon), and Shaun Laboi (Lilly); nine grandchildren, Logan, Hunter, Kaylee, Tyler, Zachary, Addison, Emma, Alex, and Leah; four great-grandchildren, Abigail, Ashton, Janalynn, and Kingston; and his sister, Sandra. He also leaves behind extended family and friends who will miss his steady presence, guidance, and unconditional love.
While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing Herb’s love and lessons live on—in every project finished or unfinished, every football thrown, and every Chiefs game watched with family.
In his honor, take time to be with the people you love, throw a football, cheer on the Chiefs, or share a cold Budweiser and a good story. Those were the moments that mattered most to Herb, and they always will.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Wright Place Event Space, 13912 E Noland Ct STE B, Independence, MO 64055.
We will truly miss Herb. We didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him due to distance but always enjoyed it when we could.
Robert and Herb had many shared stories from their younger days and both love family. Cousins by birth, friends by choice.
Kay we love you and pray for you and the family. Love Robert and Lorelei
Dear Kay, I am so so sorry to hear of Hebbie passing. I haven’t seen him in years and so glad that you have shared a most wonderful life together. ❤️ My most fondest memories are of him as a child, little while ago in Fontana at our house running in the front yard. You are in my Prayers and may God give you comfort and peace.
I Love You Kay & My Brother So Very Much! My Heart Goes Out To You for Losing The Love of Your Life! I Pray for Gods Grace, Mercy, Strength and Peace and for God to Wrap You So Tight In HIS Amazing LOVE! I Pray that The Holy Spirit Comes & Wraps You in HIS Comfort for the Days & Years Ahead! I Pray for Gods Presence to Surround You In The Times that You Need It! Jesus Is With You Forever! Just like HE was With My Brother Herb! I am going to Miss Herb! I Thank God that ONE DAY WE Will Be Together Again in Heaven Our Forever Home! I LOVED My Brother with My Whole Heart! ♥️
I am so sorry to hear that herb died God bless you if there’s anything you need let me know
Herb was the best stepdad anyone could wish for. One of the many memories I have of Herb is him helping me put together my first barbecue grill. “Step1: Consume massive amounts of alcohol!”
He was always willing to help anyone with anything. He will be missed and remembered.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Herb. There are no words that can ease the pain or emptiness you are feeling but know many are praying for you for comfort and peace that only God can provide at this most difficult time. Herb was a one of a kind. May the memories you shared bring you comfort ❤️
Kay I haven’t known you and Herb very long, but it’s been long enuff u and I got close in the past months and I got to learn Herbie somewhat as well there at the end. U both are amazing and I love u both so much, my heart hurts for you at this time as I thank God Herbs no longer hurting and is watching over you 24/7 and you know this already. Ur very strong and have allot of people that are all stepping up in your time of need and I just wanted to let you know I too am one of those people hunny I’m just a call away babe should u need anything at all!!! All my love xoxo
I remember as a kid some of the things that we would do things some of the things that we would get into and get in trouble and most of all getting caught by Grandma Jensen going up on her roof and walking around and coming down and she had a switch in her hand and wore both of us out with it. Things like that you never forget and things like that your memories, things like that. Your memories you’ll remember always and I love you her. God bless you and I’ll always remember you as a friend and a cousin.
I don’t think we will ever find the right words to do Herb justice. Herb was an amazing stepdad, an incredible and even better step granddad. He was so patient with the kids, he was always willing to talk to Addison on the phone, even in her down times, he used to call her his baby girl. He will be sorely missed, he would have loved to see them grow up. People really are defined by the impact they had on other people, Herb was selfless, gracious, full of life, and just one of the good ones. His memory will live through us, we will share stories, and we will remember him and his sense of humor. We love you and and cherished the time we had together.
Love always,
Shaun, Lilly, Emma, and Addison
My condolences to your and the family, Kay. I’ll cherish the time spent with Herb, you and the family when we went to watch the Chiefs and Cowboys game. I am sure I had a beer…. or a few with him then to go with his jarred food that he and I shared. It was brief but I’ll always remember his kindness and how you all were always so welcoming to us. It was like a home away from home. I’m blessed for the time I was able to spend there with him and you all and we were all blessed by his life and the impact he had on each one of us. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.