Raymond Welch Sr.

PULASKI, Ill. -- Raymond Lee Welch Sr., 76, of Pulaski died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006, at his home.

He was born Jan. 14, 1930, in Hickman, Ky., son of Walker and Mattie Welch. He and Jewell Esther Elizabeth Winters were married Sept. 2, 1951.

Welch was a farmer many years, and was a deputy in Pulaski County. He had been a heavy equipment operator and also worked for Consolidated Coal Co. eight years. He was a member of St. John Praise and Worship Center.

Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Vickie Foulks of Mounds, Ill., Raynell Young of Pulaski, Martha Welch of Marion, Ill., Sara Welch of Carbondale, Ill.; three sons, Raymond Welch Jr. of Mounds, George Welch Sr. of Hernando, Miss., Robert Welch of Chicago; a sister, Lauretta Wright of Pulaski; 22 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, a brother, two grandchildren, a great-grandson and stepfather.

Friends may call at St. John Praise and Worship Center from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday.

The funeral will be at noon at the worship center, with Larry Barnett Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Garden at Villa Ridge, Ill.