Reverend Billy Eugene Welch Sr., 78, died December 9, 2012 in Oktaha, Oklahoma. He was born November 16, 1934 in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma to Thomas and Mary (Allsman) Welch. Billy has been a minister since 1972 serving at both Deep Fork Hillabee Church for 20 years and Sand Springs Church in Braggs, Oklahoma. Billy served his country proudly in the US Army from 1957-1959. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Omega (July) of 57 years, sons, Billy Welch, Jr. and Helen Watson of Wagoner and Mekko Welch of Oktaha; daughters Pier Shook and husband Richard of Oktaha and Tina Qualls and husband Bobby of Coweta; grandsons Brian Welch of Sapulpa, David Welch of Muskogee, Devin Qualls of Coweta and Kaydon Welch of Oktaha; granddaughters, Isabel Deatherage of Seminole, Merle Fritz of Tahlequah, Melissa Welch of Muskogee, Amber Harjo, Rikki Fawn Shook of Oktaha and Bella Qualls of Coweta; great granddaughters Hannah Waddle, Elizabeth Fritz, Gracie Harjo, Cedar Shook and Madyzsun Welch; great grandsons, Adam Waddle and Trae Harjo; sister Elizabeth Cagle of Stigler and sister-in-law Nancy Barnett of Oklahoma City.
He was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Mary (Allsman) Welch; brothers Thomas Welch, Raymond Welch and Jack Welch; and sister Margaret West.
Serving as pallbearers are Richard Shook, Bobby Qualls, Josh Fritz, Josh Harjo, Philip Cochran and Kevin Barnett. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Barnett, Barry Barnett, Randy July, George July, James Deatherage and Brent Barnett.
A wake service will be held Thursday December 13, 2012 at 6:30p.m. at the Checotah Funeral Service Chapel.
Services will be held Friday December 14, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., at the Butler Creek Indian Church with Reverend Norman Daniel and Reverend Ben Hale officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Checotah.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Checotah Funeral and Cremation Service.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.checotahfuneralservice.com
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Reverend Billy E. Welch
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