Barry L. Welch

Barry Lee Welch, 59, Hill Valley Road, Three Springs, PA died at 1:22 PM, Saturday, September 20, 2014 at UPMC Altoona, Altoona, PA.

Born February 19, 1955 in Lewistown, PA, he was the son of Russell Whitsel and Ella Welch.  He was married to Laura Mae Erwin on March 25, 1973 at the Rockhill Church of the Brethren by Rev. Ronald Beverlin.

Mr. Welch is survived by two sons:  Barry D. Welch, Three Springs and John C. Welch and companion Brenda Benson, Three Springs.  One son Terry Lee Welch preceded in death.

There are five grandchildren: Joshua L. Welch, Andrew Benson, Matthew Benson, Kailee Benson and Emily Benson.

Four sisters and three brothers survive: Betty Conner, Mount Union, PA; Wanda Horne, Mount Union; Benjamin Welch, Shirleysburg, PA; Ella Grace Smith, Kistler, Mount Union; Hazel Snyder, Inverness, FL; Bernard Whitsel, FL; and Bruce Whitsel, Linglestown, PA.

Two brothers, John Welch and James Welch and a sister Mary Conner are deceased.

Mr. Welch was baptized on August 26, 1985 with both of his sons by Rev. John B. Johnson at the Sugar Run Church of the Brethren.

He was a 1973 graduate of Mount Union High School and later attended and graduated from truck driving school and corrections officer training.

In the 1980’s Mr. Welch owned and operated Welch and Sons Custom Butcher Shop.  He was well known for producing excellent sausage and scrapple.

Prior to his disability, he was a corrections officer and sergeant at the Huntingdon County Prison, a truck driver at Wible’s Trucking, Three Springs, an equipment operator, truck driver and foreman for Henkels and McCoy, an equipment operator at Welch Excavation, maintenance supervisor at Southern Huntingdon County School District and was last employed at Containment Solutions, Mount Union.

Mr. Welch was a member of McVeytown Lodge #376 Free and Accepted Masons.

His favorite memories were the first deer taken by his sons and grandson.

He enjoyed hunting and riding with his wife on their Harley–Davidson trike.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Martin R. Brown Funeral Home, Orbisonia, PA with Pastor Robert Detwiler officiating.  Interment will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rockhill Furnace, PA.  There will be no public viewing or visitation.

The family requests no flowers.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rockhill Church of the Brethren, P. O. 39, Rockhill Furnace, PA  17249 or to the Welch family.