CLINTON — Merle Delmar Welch, known as “Skinny” by his friends and loved ones, passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 89.
Born on May 20, 1934, at the family home near Birkbeckm in DeWitt County, to Mary Ona Spencer and Nathan Cecil Welch, “Skinny” was a lifelong resident of the Clinton area community.
PVT Welch selflessly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army’s Battalion HQ Div., 19th Infantry Regiment. In 1957, he was assigned to the 24th Infantry Div. in Korea.
In 1952, he married the late Donna Carolyn Tuggle. Together they had four sons and one daughter.
In 1963, he married the late Barbara Jean Leevey. They had one son and one daughter.
Everyone who knew “Skinny” knew that he could usually be found tinkering in the yard, whether it be fixing up his ‘50 Ford, farming on the land, or enjoying his tractors, usually with a pup trotting close behind. On occasion, he and his son Terry would enjoy a squirrel hunt.
Besides his love for his family, he was best known for the pride and work he put into his garden. No one ever left without some fresh garden tomatoes to enjoy.
We couldn’t have asked for a better Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, or Friend, and will miss “Skinny” everyday. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Merle “Skinny” Welch was preceded in death by his parents Nathan and Mary, his five brothers; Robert, Clarence, Virgil, Donald, and John; his five sisters; Margaret, Eva, Mabel, Ada, and Mary Alice; his wife, Barbara; his two sons, Merle Lee and Terry Nathan, and one grandchild, Kamala D. Welch.
He is survived by his two daughters; Judy Ann (Norman) Noble, of Morriston, Fla., and Lori Ann (Dave) Foulks, of Clinton; his three sons; Roger (Ingrid) Welch, of Clinton; Billy (Claudia) Welch, of Portland, Tenn.; Paul Dean (Theresa) Welch, of Armington, Ill.; his 26 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
A Rememberance Reunion is scheduled for June 2024. Details to follow.
