Louis Philip Welch

Louis Philip Welch was born June 7, 1929 in Washington, D.C. to Bernadette Elizabeth Budd Welch, seamstress, and Louis Edward Welch, mechanic and railroad security officer. The family resided in Hyattsville, MD, but Louis (Dick) and his family frequently traveled to St. Mary's County in Southern Maryland where he spent much of his childhood on a farm. Aunt Ella and Uncle Ed's farm was a labor of love, and it provided a safe haven for the family during the Great Depression. Dick grew to love the beauty of great outdoors, planted his first crop of tobacco, taunted the massive bull, mastered the skills of hunting and fishing, and learned the value of hard work and humility. Dick attended Gonzaga College High School, a highly-respected Jesuit school for boys in Washington, D.C. and worked at the local Hyattsville Hardware. He was active in his local Catholic church where he would eventually meet and marry his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Teresa Hall Welch. Dick and Dot were married May 12, 1951 at St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Hyattsville, MD just prior to Dick entering military service during the Korean Conflict. Dick served in the U.S. Army and earned the rank of Srgt. His knowledge of firearms led to an assignment as military police at the firing range where he would suffer hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to the deafening noise. The couple's first child was born while they were stationed at Fort Gordon, GA, and after completing two years of military service Dick and Dot returned to the D.C. area where they purchased and renovated a small bungalow in Hyattsville. They welcomed four more children and raised their family over the next 40 years. Dick learned the electrical trade and held a Master Electrician's license. He attended Strayer University and earned his AA degree in Accounting while working full time and providing for his growing family. He took side jobs to earn additional income and sacrificed to send all five of his children to Catholic parochial schools. He taught his sons the electrical trade and shared his love of fishing and hunting, and he loved his daughters and encouraged them to be independent and resourceful. Dick retired early at the age of 54, sold the home they lovingly maintained, and moved to Florida. Dick and Dot enjoyed their life in Timber Pines retirement golf community where they were active on the golf course, in their village community, and at their local parish church. They enjoyed ballroom dancing with friends and embraced retirement. It was in 2008 Dick first showed signs of memory loss, and was eventually diagnosed with dementia. In April 2014 Dick moved north to Pennsylvania to be close to family, and on May 8, 2018 Jesus lovingly and mercifully called him Home where he is made new and reunited with loved ones. Surviving (5) children are: Bernard Matthew Welch of Hughesville, MD; Virginia Ann Welch Alley of Lebanon, PA; Kenneth Mark Welch of Beltsville, MD; Philip John Welch of Ocean City, MD; and Kathleen Marie Welch Ryland of Hummelstown, PA. Surviving (11) Grandchildren are: Jason Michael Welch, Daniel James Welch, Andrew Scott, Welch, Matthew Christopher Welch, Kristen Paige Hollinger, Alicia Diane Hollinger Renaud, Laura Christine Welch, Jonathan Patrick Welch, Amy Marie Welch, Kyle Christopher Ryland, and Claire Nichole Ryland. Surviving (11) Great Grandchildren are: Mikaylah Rose Daum, Blake Christian Welch, Michael Edward Welch, Taylor Michelle Welch, Jacob Dean Welch, Shawn Olivia Welch, Avery Christine Welch, Clayton Renaud, Xander Jon Renaud, Sophie Ann Renaud, Ella Marie Welch, Brody Christian Voight; +(2) Great Grandchildren due Aug 2018 and Nov 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents Louis Edward Welch, Bernadette Elizabeth Budd Welch, and sister Elizabeth Bernadette (Sis) Welch. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 29119 Point Lookout Road, Morganza, MD 20660. A visitation will be held on Friday from 9-10:00 am prior to Mass. Interment of Louis Philip Welch and Dorothy Teresa Hall Welch will take place immediately following mass at Old St. Joseph Cemetery (across the street). A memorial luncheon will be hosted at the home of Bernard and Christine Welch immediately following services at 16365 Carriage Crossing Lane, Hughesville, MD 20637. Contributions to memorial flowers may be made via Towne Florist/Marcie 301-475-2551 and referencing 5/25/18 Welch funeral at St. Joseph Catholic Church. To make a memorial donation, contact World Blindness Outreach, Inc., 1510 Cornwall Road, Lebanon, PA 17042; 717-273-0662; alley@comcast.net; http://www.worldblindnessoutreach.org/Donate.html

Louis Philip Welch

June 7, 1929 - May 8, 2018