Leroy J. Welch

God saw he was tired. so he did what he knew best, He whispered in his ear "Come on home Leroy, you have earned your rest." Lt. Leroy J. Welch passed away on Monday, Oct. 5, 2008. Visitation at Bethany World Prayer Center in Baker on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. Interment in the church cemetery under the direction of Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St. Leroy Joseph Welch was born May 3, 1931, to Ernest and Rachel Welch in Lake Charles, the eldest of three children. He was baptized at an early age, but dedicated his life to Christ at Bethany World Prayer Center under the leadership of pastor Larry Stockstill in 1995, where he attended until he fell ill. He remained a faithful member of this congregation. He served in the U.S. Army, then moved to Baton Rouge where he was a warehouse worker and driver for Davis Wholesale Drug Co. In 1966, he joined the Baton Rouge City Police Department, where he retired after 30 years of service. Leroy's life could be characterized as a caregiver, a loving and devoted family man and a loyal friend. He leaves his vibrant and loving spirit to be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Glynda Holmes Welch; seven children, Jan Lamotte, Carl Welch and wife Carol, Dana Welch and wife Anne, Joseph Welch and wife Sabrina, Katina Stevenson and husband Herman, Cynthia Simpson and husband Curley and Ashley Welch; a sister, Ernestine Billingsley; a godson, Barry Jacob; 18 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Rachel Welch; brother, Herbert J. Welch; son, Victor Welch; and first wife, Shirley Singleton Welch. Special thanks to loving sister, Ernestine Billingsley, Barry Jacob, Craig Jacob, Chandra Welch, Robert Anders, Adele Thigpen, Mrs. Ann Cook, Hilda Boudreaux, Sidney B. Mack Jr., Lisa Burton. Robert and Mavis Johnson, the entire Baton Rouge City Police Department, Darrell Johnson, Amedisys Adventa Hospice Services, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Cancer Services of Baton Rouge and all medical personnel who participated in his care.