Clifford Ernest Welch, 97, died Monday, May 16, 2011 at Valley Gardens Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Stockton, Calif., after a short illness.

He was born in Havana on Sept. 9, 1913 to John William and Eva Louise Davey Welch. The family moved to Chanute when he was a small child. He attended Chanute schools and was a WWII veteran.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Evelyn Marks and Louise Graham, two brothers John Jr., Welch and Glenwood Welch. He is survived by two daughters, Naomi Ruth and husband, Joseph Maple, Chanute, and Esther May and husband, the Rev. Henry Barton, Rockwall Texas; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Graveside services were held Thursday May 19 at Cherokee Memorial Park Lodi, Calif.