WELCH, James Thomas, 88, of Dallas, WV, passed away at home on Tuesday, July 17, 2012.
He was born July 17, 1924 in Wheeling, WV, the son of James B. Welch and Katherine Earlewine Welch Mr. Welch was retired after 32 years from Columbia Gas of Ohio. He was a member of the Dallas United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Dallas Lions Club. He belonged to the West Liberty Lodge 26 and was a 32nd degree mason of the Scottish Rite.
He loved gardening, golfing with friends, antique tractors and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Ryan Dunn and one sister, Regina Stein.
Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Riggle Welch; one son, James Thomas Welch, Jr. (Kristina); three daughters, Debbie Dunn (Glenn), Donna McLaughlin (Tom), and Darla Herrick (Pete); one special sister-in-law, Bonnie Berghoff (Gerald); five grandchildren, Nathaniel James Welch, Julie Ann Dunn, Bethanie Raye Herrick, Ashley Kaye McLaughlin, and Shannon Marie McLaughlin; and three special niece and nephews, Debbie Bellisario, Doug Berghoff, and Brad Berghoff; one sister and brother-in-law, Majorie and Herbert Gray; and several cousins.
Friends will be received Friday, July 20, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St., Elm Grove, Wheeling (304-242-2311), where services will be held Saturday July 21, 2012 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Cindy Murphy officiating. Interment in Mt. View Cemetery, Dallas, WV.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dallas United Methodist Church, Rt 1 Box 126, Dallas, WV 26036.
Personal condolences may be made to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com.
