John C. Welch

John C. Welch, Jr., age 85, of St. Martin, passed away on Memorial Day in Vancleave.
Mr. Welch was the oldest of ten children. He was born in Evansville, IN and he grew up in Chicago, IL prior to joining the Army Air Corp during World War II. He entered France on the third day, June 9, of the invasion of Normandy.
He reentered the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and served with honor for many years retiring in Biloxi in August of 1969.
He owned WelcoAutoAire in Ocean Springs after retiring from the United States Air Force.
He was Past Worshipful Master of Ocean Springs Masonic Temple 424, and he served as Secretary for many years. He also served as a worthy Patron of the Eastern Star in Ocean Springs.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Welch of St. Martin; his son, Wendell O. Welch of Vancleave; his sisters, Helen Jacobson of Covington, GA and Patricia Barkulis of Ingleside, IL; and his grandchildren, Jacob Welch, Johnathan Welch and wife Emily, Rachel Welch, and Patrick Welch all of Richmond, VA.
A graveside service with Full Military honors and Masonic Rites will be held at 10 am Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Biloxi National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to McLeod number 424 F&AM, P.O. Box 354 Ocean Springs, MS 39566.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Rd, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.
An obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.