Gary Ray Welch

Gary Ray Welch, son of the late Vernon George and Vesta Aline (Smith) Welch, was born April 27, 1956 in Waynesville, Missouri. Gary grew up in the Big Piney area and attended the Big Piney Elementary School. He began attending high school in Licking, Missouri and graduated in 1974. On April 24, 1977, Gary was united in marriage to Pamela Lou Needham in Roby, Missouri. They shared over 32 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Andrea and Bryan. Gary was a hardworking man. During his high school years and shortly after graduating, Gary worked for Curly’s in St. Robert, Missouri. He then became employed on Fort Leonard Wood as a Bowling Equipment Repairman. He has been a faithful employee for over 34 years. During his spare time, Gary was an avid hunter. He especially enjoyed hunting turkey. He also enjoyed going fishing, but he got the biggest thrill by taking the kids and grandkids fishing for catfish and bluegill. He always treasured those times that he could spend with his family and friends, especially the grandkids. At an early age, Gary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and he was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church. He attended every time that he was able. Gary went home to be with his Lord the evening of Sunday, May 10, 2009 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri at the age of 53 years and 13 days. Gary will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife, Pam of the home; two children: Andrea Schafer and her husband Courtland of Oklahoma City, OK and Bryan Welch and his wife Megan of Springfield, MO; one brother: Danny Welch and his wife Connie of Linn Creek, MO; 4 grandchildren: Coby, Cadley, Caseyn and Brylee; one niece: Misti Post and husband, Greg and their children: Dani, Nik and Justin of Ashland, MO; one nephew: Ryan Jones and wife, Alisha, of Nixa, MO; sister-in-law: Judy Jones and husband, Richard of Nixa, MO; brother-in-law: Gary Needham of Plant City, FL, other relatives and a host of friends. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by one brother, George Dean Welch. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 14, 2009 in the Hopewell Baptist Church of Big Piney, Missouri with Rev. Phillip McGuire officiating. Gary’s cousin, Ed Welch, read several poems and recalled his wonderful memories of Gary. The songs “When I Get Where I’m Going”, “My Wish” and “Go Rest High On that Mountain” were played. Pianist / Soloist Cindy Page played the prelude and postlude and sang “Thank You”. Serving as escorts were Ed Welch, Charlie Welch, Van Page, Randy Welch, Lynn Chambers, Randy Cole, Robert Crabtree, Leon Welch, Jerry Welch and Dwight Welch. Burial followed in the Big Piney Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gary Welch to the Big Piney Cemetery Fund and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Gary Ray Welch

April 27, 1956 - May 10, 2009