David Welling

(From Parker Mortuary)

David Welling, age 64, Joplin, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Freeman West of Joplin.

David was born September 18, 1956 in Wichita, Kansas son of the late Vernon Samuel Welling and Vera Angel (Gascon) Welling. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas and graduated from Hayden High School. He then attended Pittsburg State Teacher’s College (now Pittsburg State University) where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. 

He worked for the Joplin RVIII School District at Joplin High School for 38 years teaching science classes. He also enjoyed spending time during summer school at Missouri Southern State University helping with Upward Bound.

David had a servant’s heart for helping his students. He was very willing to start early or stay late to help anyway he could. He not only taught his students the assigned work but was known for his out of the box thinking when it came to teaching them life lessons. He enjoyed helping his students learn more that just their assignments. He was not as concerned for accolades from others as he was knowing he was doing the right thing. He also had a unique sense of humor, like the bathroom ticket for using the restroom.

He was always there for family also, he loved his children, and was always there for them whether they needed a coach, help with schoolwork, or some encouragement during a difficult time. He loved spending time with his wife, kids, and especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by many in this community, and the school.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Marilyn (Bagby) Welling; daughter, Mandy Kroupa (Daniel) of Columbus, Georgia; sons, Levi Welling (Mary Lou) of Yulee, Florida and Gabe Welling (Ellen) of Joplin; grandchildren, Macey Kroupa, Danaleigh Kroupa, Archie Welling, Arthur Welling, Wally Welling, and Theo Welling on the way; brother, Vernon Welling, II of Kansas City, Missouri and Tim Welling of Meridian, Missouri; sisters, Alice of Wellington, Kansas and Teresa Morris (Rob) of Claremore, Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews.

According to the wishes of David, no formal services are planned at this time.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the family to help with final expenses. Please send these to Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Ave., Joplin, MO 64804, and made out to the family.