April 14th, 1924, was a day to celebrate. A life began that day, destined to make history in the world and in Jackson County, KY. April 16th, 2026, was a day to reflect, remember, and dwell in respect.
Edsel Welch was born on April 14th, 1924, and passed away on April 16th, 2026, at age 102. Mr. Welch was born to John and Minnie Emmaline Harrison Welch on April 14th, 1924, in McKee, KY. He had 4 half-siblings from his father’s first wife and 13 siblings born to his mother, Minnie. He attended the one-room Sparks School in McKee, where he finished 8th grade. High School was not an available option at the time. He was a champion speller and received high marks for his penmanship. Edsel Welch was a WWII Veteran, a devout Christian, and a devoted husband and family man.
The Jackson County community understood the significance and importance of Edsel Welch’s life. His enduring dedication to his wife and family. His steadfast dedication to his faith. His selfless service and dedication to his country. These are the values we hold most highly and that define our community. Family and friends gathered at the square in McKee, KY, on Sunday, April 14th, 2024 to celebrate his 100th Birthday. His wife, Mae, was by his side for the entire event, just as she has stood by him for 80 years of marriage.
Mr. Welch served as the Grand Marshal of the 2022 Homecoming Parade. He told Representative Timmy Truett that if he lived to be 100 years old, he wanted a parade around the courthouse. Representative Truett took that comment to heart and was determined to make it happen. With the help of many others such as Jackson Energy, PRTC, Judge Shane Gabbard, Mayor Michael Stidham and the City of McKee, Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departments, local law enforcement officers, Erik Hubbard and Backroads of Appalachia, KY Senate President Robert Stivers, Congressman Hal Rogers, and Senator Mitch McConnell it turned into a glorious day of celebration and community. Mr. Welch was given his 100th Birthday Parade! It was well deserved, considering all he has given of himself. As a matter of fact, after Mr. Welch participated in the parade, he got to take a roadside seat, and the parade made another round so that he could be an observer as well!
Representative Truett presented Mr. Welch with a number of items that honored his 100th birthday and his service to our country. On the motion of Senate President Robert Stivers and Representative Timmy Truett, the Kentucky General Assembly presented Mr. Welch with a Certificate of Recognition. The Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs also sent a Certificate of Recognition as a token of their appreciation and respect. The Governor’s Office sent an official state coin. One item seemed to catch Mr. Welch’s attention particularly. Neatly folded in a pure white box was an American Flag. The certificate that came with it proclaimed that this specific flag had flown over the United States Capitol on April 05, 2024. The certificate read, “At the request of the Honorable Harold Rogers, Member of Congress, this flag was flown in honor of Mr. Edsel Welch from McKee, Kentucky, in recognition of his valiant service to the United States during World War II. We owe Mr. Welch and all our military veterans a great debt of gratitude for their brave sacrifice.” When he opened the box and looked at the flag, Mr. Welch told Representative Truett, “This is just like the one I served under.”
Representative Truett addressed the crowd that had gathered near the old courthouse to witness. He recalled asking Mr. Welch what of his accomplishments made him most proud. Mr. Welch listed three things in order of importance. He was most proud of being the father of nine daughters. Secondly, he was proud of his service to God. Thirdly, he was proud of his service to his country. This is the response of an honorable man who should serve as a role model for us all.
A family picture that included 5 generations was taken, and the entire gathering sang Happy Birthday to the Jackson County man, deemed part of the greatest generation of Americans!
Welch was just a young man when he spent time in China and Burma (now Myanmar) while serving in WWII. PFC Edsel Welch entered US Army Basic Training in June of 1943. Basic training was conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After basic training, Welch was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, and from there to the San Francisco port of embarkation. He traveled by ship for 30 days to reach India. He was involved in a battle to clear the Burma Road of Japanese control.
After his tour of duty in China, Burma, and India, he returned to the States (California) aboard a C-54 cargo plane. He returned home to Jackson County on January 24th, 1946.
On returning from WWII, he married Mae Cox on February 28th, 1946. They recently celebrated 80 years of marriage together. According to Mrs. Welch, Edsel has never shown a desire to talk about his tour of duty. Edsel has shared stories of traveling with a team of mules in the rainforest to help build a strategically important bridge for the Allied Forces. However, according to Mae, Edsel has never wanted to talk about the fighting.
Edsel and Mae have been blessed with 9 daughters. Edsel worked as a coal miner for a while before making a career with PRTC, from which he retired. He was also a carpenter and tobacco farmer. His heritage of hard work was passed down to his children, who were taught to be thankful for their blessings from God and to take care of what they owned. He attended Macedonia Holiness Church throughout his adult life. There, he served as treasurer and read scriptures as an elder in the church. He serves as an Honor Guard in the DAV Chapter 165 KY and was present to see his comrade at arms, Berton J McQueen, finally returned home.
Mr. Edsel Welch, sir, you are a treasure to your family, your community, and your country! Jackson County and the world are better places because of you. You will never be forgotten. May you rest in Peace.
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