DON WELCH
1959 - 1986
PILOT
AMA MKC MCI DEN


Don's wife Marlys is in the 1979 Frontier Family Cookbook.
-Jake Lamkins
(12/4/04)

 A Harvey Chaddock story from Captain Don Welch
Good Afternoon Guys,
Harvey and I spent many hours in a DC-3. I remember one day in particular. We
left DEN-COS-PUB-AMA-OKC- etc to MKC. Wind at COS was 120 degrees at
30-45. Lockett was on the ground and when we received landing clearance he
piped in with, "Lots of luck".
When we departed AMA there were a lot of thunderstorms along the route and
Harv chose to fly low. About a thousand feet above the ground and we wandered
here and there.
When I called in range OKC we were advised that dispatch had sent a teletype to
AMA to recall us because of the tornado warning issued. We were so low that
we could not hear AMA.
Harv flew that leg without a ripple in the air and no rain.
When Harv heard that we had been recalled to AMA we were in the clear east of
the weather and he wondered if "shouldn't we get a little skeered".

FAL 
WELCH, DONALD R
ALPA # 0201327 
DOB 08/01/31 
DOH 01/01/59 
RT 01/10/86
per the FL ALPA List.
D R WELCH
Pilot seniority date of 3/28/59
per the 9/1/81 FL/ALPA Seniority List.
He is not on the 9/1/85 seniority list
but the ALPA List date of retirement of 1/10/86 might be in error.
-Jake Lamkins
(2/11/13)

Don Welch suffered another stroke this afternoon.  As you may know
he had a stroke on the 6th of this month and came through  that one in
good shape.  However, he had another today (18th).  He is under doctors 
care in one of the facilities there at the Tall Grass complex where they live.
At this time his speech and mind are okay.  He has lost the use of his left
leg and arm.  He will probably be moved to a rehab facility later.
Will forward more info as I get it.
Y'all take care,
-Phil Stallings
(4/18/19)

John Green visited Don yesterday afternoon. John found
Don in the lounge with a bunch of WWII Vets ... drinking
scotch and telling war stories and enjoying "Happy Hour".
He was in good spirits, telling stories and laughing with 
the guys. John said even my name came up in the stories. 
I may need to go over there and protect my reputation. 
Anyway, it's good to hear his spirits are up. He has been "down".
Don is still in a wheel chair.
Still unable to use his left arm or leg.
Will keep you advised.
Phil Stallings
(5/22/19)

I just got word that Captain Don Welch flew West
last Thursday, 4/13.
He was a KC Captain, lived in Overland Park, Kansas.
Still trying to get a copy of his obit.
He is to be cremated.
I tried Don Welch Overland Park Obit.
The Funeral home has an incomplete obit posted.
-https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/kansas-city-mo/donald-welch-11250214
-Phil Stalling
(4/17/23)

Thanks for letting me know, Phil.
Hope you are well.
-Jake Lamkins
(4/17/23)

Donald Welch Obituary - Kansas City, MO (dignitymemorial.com)
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on April 25, 2023, 
at Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park.
Frontier Friends,
Regretfully, we have lost another much loved crew member. 
Some of us plan to attend the service and meet afterwards over lunch. 
If you can join us, let John, Sue or Laura know and we will make a plan based upon numbers.
Please share with others not copied in this email.
Hugs,
-Sue Evans
(4/19/23)

D R WELCH
Emp# 09286
MKC captain
DOB 8/1/31
DOH 3/28/59
Per the Dec 1970 employees roster. 
D R WELCH
Emp# 09286
DEN
Address in Englewood, CO
Per the Nov 1984 employees roster. 
The FL/ALPA Roster shows Don retired 1/10/86.
-Jake Lamkins
(5/12/23)

FLacebook
FLIGHT WEST POSTED
DON WELCH
1959 - 1985
PILOT
AMA MKC MCI DEN
http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Don_Welch.html
Post your remembrances of him.
-Jake Lamkins
(5/15/23)

Bonnie Dahl
God Bless you, Captain Don!

Phil Stallings
Captain Don. One of the good guys. RIP my friend.

George Fay
Absolutely! RIP my. Friend.

Pam Coffman Ellis
Prayers for Don’s family and friends.

Lance Brough
Prayers of comfort for his Loved ones!

Fred Watson
R.I.P Captain

Carl Lorenzen
Great Frontier Pilot. A real gentleman and professional airman!

Trish Swanson-Hawk
Sending condolences to Marlys, family and many friends. RIP.

Cherylann Morgan
RIP Captain. Prayers for your family and friends.
(5/15/23)

Liz Gomez
RIP, Fly with the Angels.

Jan Lefler
RIP CAPTAIN DON. 
Condolences to his family.

Christina Bonatti
Condolences to his family.
(5/16/23)

Jack McLaughlin
Don was a good guy!
(6/8/23)

Carl Lorenzen
Good Pilot, really good person. 
Never heard a harsh word from Don and well liked by all. 
RIP my friend.
(6/9/23)