Joseph R. Welch

August 28, 1930-September 30, 2010

Joe passed away on September 1, 2010 at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 28, 1930 to Albert and Edennie Welch in Belvider, Illinios. Joe joined the United States Air Force in 1950, where his tour of duty sent him to many places including England, Germany, Panama, Thailand and Vietnam. He was sent to Castle Air Force Base where he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1973.

After his military retirement, he worked as a dispatcher for Western Stone for 23 years. Joe volunteered for many organizations including St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, our Lady of Mercy School, Golden Valley High School Athletics, and for more than 12 years he helped many Senior Citizens with filing their tax returns. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 83.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lorraine; his daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Roger Brum of Atwater; his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Dabby Fontes of Merced; and his son Steve Welch of Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Michelle and Lorin Mann, David and Amanda Brum, Laura Fontes, Daniel Fontes, Madison Welch and Evan Welch.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation which will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, at Our Lady of Mercy Church at 11:00 a.m. with internment to follow at Merced District Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evan Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced.

Joe touched so many lives, and no matter where he went or how far he traveled, he would always run into someone he knew. Everyone who knew him, loved him. We will greatly miss you “Grandpa Joe.”