Alvin Lee Welch

Alvin Lee Welch, 88, of Eolia died Friday, Jan. 12, 2018 at De Paul Hospital in Bridgeton.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes is in charge of cremation rites.

Alvin was born April 20, 1929 in Eolia, the son of William Wesley and Rena Mildred Atkins Welch. On Dec. 30, 1951 in Brashear he married Doris Wilson. She survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Dee Shepard of Bowling Green, Bonnie Welch of St. Louis, and Renae Jansen of Eolia; four grandchildren, Karah Waddle and husband, Josh, Tasha Rutherford and husband, Stephen, Travis Jansen and wife, Sarah, and Heather Jansen; six great-grandchildren, Cole Waddle, Clara, Patrick, Thomas Rutherford and Sophia and Gabe Jansen and baby girl Jansen due in April; brothers, Hubert Welch and wife, Betty Ann of Clarksville and James Welch of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and oldest brother William Welch.

Alvin lived in Eolia his entire life and was a member of the Eolia Baptist Church.

Alvin owned and operated Welch Wrecker Service out of Eolia. He was a very simple man who loved his work, the farm, Eolia, gospel music and most of all his family.

Memorials may be made to the Lester Family (a gospel group, c/o the Bibb-Veach Funeral Home) because of Alvin’s love of gospel music or to the donor’s choice.