This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: GILLAM, WELKER, LANDS, HARGISS, GENSLER Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lNB.2ACI/4260 Message Board Post: Merlin Leon Welker of Potosi, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2006 at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, having reached the age of 84 years, 8 months and 4 days. He was born June 30, 1921 at Potosi, Missouri, a son of the late Richard L. and Martha F. (Gillam) Welker. In addition to his parents, Merlin was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. On September 20, 1946 Merlin was united in marriage to Mildred Beers. This September would have made 60 years together. Those who remain to mourn the passing of his life include his wife, Mildred Welker of Potosi; a son, Willard Welker and wife Kathy of Potosi; a daughter, Mary Lands and husband Paul of Belgrade; a brother, Steven Welker of Potosi; four grandchildren, Elmer Lands and wife Cricket of Caledonia, Tonja Hargiss and husband Rich of Park Hills, Samuel Lands and wife Amy of Viburnum and Becky Gensler and husband Derek of Potosi; six great grandchildren, Jesse, Felicia and Siera Lands, Austin Gensler, Zachary Hargiss and James Lands; nieces; nephews and many other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him. Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 6, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Britton Chapel, Potosi, Missouri with Rev. John Lands and Rev. Joe Gensler officiating. Serving as pallbearers were: Elmer Lands, Samuel Lands, Jesse Lands, Steve Yount, Chris Parks and Derek Gensler. Interment and final prayers were held at Palmer Cemetery, Potosi Route. All arrangements were entrusted to the Britton Funeral Home of Potosi. Independent Journal, Potosi, MO, Thursday, March 9, 2006