Harold E. Welch's Obituary
Mecosta Harold E. Welch, 84, of Mecosta, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2008, at his residence. He was born August 7, 1924, in Lansing, the son of Harold and Beatrice (Davis) Welch. In 1942, Harold enlisted in the United States Navy, and served during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the beginning of the Vietnam War until receiving his honorable discharge in 1965. Following his discharge he moved to Big Rapids, and was food service manager at Ferris States Rankin Center for 10 years. He then worked as the food and beverage manager at the Ramshorn Country Club in Fremont. More recently, Harold helped to establish the food services program at the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center, and taught there for 10 years until retiring in 1986. Harold was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the F & AM Lodge #171, a member of the VFW Post #4102, and a member of the Big Rapids Aerie Eagles #2535. A member of the Mecosta County Rod & Gun Club, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harold was also an avid University of Michigan fan, and liked sports, especially golfing and bowling. On October 10, 1945, Harold married Beatrice Timmons, who preceded him in death in 1991. On February 14, 1992, he married Jeanne Powell, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Beverly (Lee) Adams of Cedar Springs and Sandra Williams of Shelbyville; 1 son Harold (Jessica) Welch of Lapeer; 2 step-daughters, Angela (Ellery) Barnes of White Cloud, and Candy (Richard) Ladd of Big Rapids; 1 step-son Gordy Traynor of Rodney; 17 grandchildren, Michael (Jill) Adams, Joseph Welch, Ginger Williams, Kristine (Anthony) Paull, Korie (Brian) Watson, Jason and Kevin Williams, Jeremy, Tracy, Julie, and Philip Traynor, Crista Olsson, Ricky Ladd, Amanda and Ashley Moore, Summer and Autumn Ladd; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Irene Brannon of Boyne City; 2 half brothers, Ivan Byard of Central Lake and Steve Byard of Mancelona; and many nieces and nephews. Harolds brother-in-law Richard Brannon also passed away on Sunday. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 18, 2008, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Burial will be in the Pine Plains Cemetery, with military honors under the auspices of the Big Rapids American Legion Post #98 and AmVets Post #1941. Harolds family will greet friends on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home, with a Masonic Memorial Service beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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