FRIENDSHIP — Larry Welch,

age 76, of Friendship, Ark., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 2, 2023, while under hospice care at Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkadelphia. He was born on August 1, 1946, at Dermott Hospital and grew up in McGehee, Ark. He was the youngest son of Marvin Welch, Sr., and Jewel McDaniel Welch. He was a devoted husband and father and he enjoyed being with his dog, Coco, going hunting, fishing and cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He served in the National Guard in his 20s.

In 2015, he retired from his 30-year career as a life safety electronic technician. He was a member of Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his five brothers. Marvin Welch, Jr., Laford Welch, Elmer Eugene Welch, Billy Welch. and Robert Lynn Welch; and his two sisters, Nina Marie Peyveto and Betty Sue Burns.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 37 years, Kathy (Furr) Welch, to whom he was married on January 17, 1986; one son, Shane Welch (Dana); two stepdaughters, Charidy Evans (Richard) and Mandy Hardage; four granddaughters, Brianna Welch, Grace Welch, Alisha Evans and Becca Boston; three great-grandchildren, Sammy Greenwalt, Evelyn Greenwalt and Freya Duncan; two brothers, Perry (Ginny) Welch and Jimmy Lee (Dorothy) Welch; and an abundance of extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 11 from 3-4 p.m. at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home with services following at 4 p.m. with Bro. Ricky Collie officiating.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Kristen Brandon and the hospice staff at Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkadelphia for their excellent care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Third Street Baptist Church Food Pantry, 224 Crawford Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923.