1942-2026
Byron J. Welch Jr. “Bud,” 84 of Topeka, passed away on October 12, 2026, with his loved ones around him. Bud was born in Lyons, KS on August 8, 1942, to parents Byron “Barney” and Dorothy (Burgess) Welch. He graduated from Lyons High School in 1960, where he excelled in tennis, football, basketball, and band. Of his many High School memories, he especially cherished playing on the state championship tennis team during his senior year. His accomplishments were later recognized with his induction into the Lyons High School Hall of Fame in 2022. Bud continued his education and tennis career at Fort Hays State University, where he lettered in tennis for two years. He then attended McPherson College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and teaching while lettering in tennis for another year. In 1965, Byron began his career as a teacher, teaching mathematics and science in Cunningham, Kansas. He later moved to Texas, where he worked as a field engineer for Lane Wells Company, later known as Dresser Atlas Company. Byron began his career with State Farm Insurance in Ottumwa, Iowa in 1969, serving as an insurance adjuster before becoming an agent in 1977. He later relocated to Chariton, Iowa where he continued his career as a State Farm agent for more than 41years. Throughout his career, Bud built lasting relationships and became a valued member of the community he called home for so many years. Bud also proudly served in the Army National Guard in Kansas, Iowa, Texas, and Wyoming from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1979. Family was an important part of Bud’s life, With his then-wife Teresa(Rose) Welch, he welcomed his son, Troy, and later his daughter, Staci. In August 1979, he married Sharon L. (Rhodes) (Bell) Welch. In 2008, he married Sara (Hollinger) (Carlson) Welch, who survives him in Topeka. Bud leaves behind his loving wife, Sara; his son Troy (Becky) Welch of Rogers, Arkansas; three grandchildren; several grand and step grandchildren; his brother, Ray Welch of Alamosa, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by both parents; his daughter, Staci in October of 2019; his grandson, Christian in July, 2024; his brother, Thomas Gabe Welch died unexpectedly October 9, 2026. Bud believed in being involved, giving back, and making a difference in the communities where he lived. During his years in Chariton, Iowa, he was an active member of numerous civic and community organizations. He was involved with the Chariton Community Foundation, First United Methodist Church Chariton, and the Rotary Club, where he served as president and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Chariton Municipal Water Department. His other community involvement activities included the Chariton Valley Players, The Fourth of July Committee, and Lucas County Volunteer Services. He served as treasurer of the Fourth of July Committee for 20 years. He was an officer and charter member of the South Central Iowa Community Foundation. Bud’s dedication to his community was recognized when he was named Chariton’s 2010 Citizen of the Year. He also served as Grand Marshal of the city’s Fourth of July parade in 2009. After moving to Topeka, Bud continued his community involvement through the Topeka West Rotary Club and First Lutheran Church, where he served on the Memorial and Finance Committees. He was also active in the homeowners association at his Topeka residence. Bud’s life was marked by a commitment to service, love of community, and a willingness to give his time and talents to others. His contributions touched many lives, and his legacy will live on through the family, friends, and communities he leaves behind. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice and Brookdale Memory Care in Topeka for their exceptional care, compassion and support they provided the last year of Bud’s life. Honoring his request, cremation is planned. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at First Lutheran Church 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd., Topeka, KS, followed by a memorial service at 11 am. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice, 2231 SW Wanamaker Rd., Ste 202, Topeka, KS 66614, or to First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd., Topeka, KS 66604 or the Lyons Bell and Star Fund, sent in care of Lyons Federal Bank, P.O. Box 58, Lyons, KS 67554-0058. Birzer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements in Lyons, KS.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
