Bobby M. Welch

Funeral services will be 2pm, Tuesday, December 3, at Adams Funeral Home, with ministers Frank Downes, Lee Wright and David Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6pm to 8pm, Monday, December 2 at the funeral home.

Bobby was born on June 9, 1926 in Marlin, Texas to Henry Chapell Welch and Mary Etta (Smith) Welch. He served in the US Navy during World War II. He married the love of his life, Louise Downes after a 3 month courtship, resulting in a 59 years plus marriage. After graduation from high school he joined the Navy at age 18 and was sent to the Philippines in WWII. Bobby graduated from Tyler Commercial College and later worked in sales for Phillips Lighting. He enjoyed family time with his children and later with his grandchildren and then the special bonus of great-grandchildren. Bobby was a longtime devoted member of the Ward Street Church of Christ in Marlin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his only brother Dollis Welch and his only sister Eva Hickman Welch; his parents-in-law, Bennie M. Downes and Lucille (Smith) Downes.

He leaves behind his wife Louise; daughter, Carolyn Gayle Rowe and husband Jerry of Waco; sons, Craig Morris Welch and wife Denise of Rockwall and Clark Downes Welch and wife Tammy of Mesquite; granddaughter Kristen Garcia and husband Rudy of Waco; grandson Cory Welch and granddaughter Cristal Welch of Mesquite; grandson Sean Erikson, who is in the military; and 3 great-grandchildren.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.