Eugene Ray “Eugene Ray "Gene" Welch” Welch

Eugene Ray “Gene” Welch, 92, of Stevensville, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2020, at the Willows in St. Joseph. A celebration of life will be held at noon on Friday, July 31, 2020, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow in Lincoln Township Cemetery, Stevensville. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:30 – noon also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Alzheimer’s Assn. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gene was a graduate of Bridgman High School, class of 1946. While there, he was a member of the back to back state basketball champions of ’45 and ’46. After graduation he proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. When he returned home, he took a job as a repairman at Whirlpool in St. Joe where he worked for 40 years, retiring in 1990. Gene was a former member of the Jaycees, Lions Club, and the American Legion. He was an avid Detroit Sports fan. Gene was active in Little League as a coach and was always an active spectator for his children and grandchildren. Gene is survived by his wife, Minnie (Abbey) Welch; his sons, James (Cindy) Welch, William A. Welch, and John (Joy) Welch; several step-children; his grandchildren, Andrew, Alex (Karly), Kenneth (Stephanie), Joseph (Alyssa), Christina, Michael, Kara, and Carter; and his great grandchildren, Ellen, Calvin, Joseph, and Brody. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Christine (Mildon) Welch; second wife, Mary Jo (Burns) Welch; son, Michael (Lisa) Welch; siblings, Richard Welch, Donna Chambers, and Lynn Welch; and parents, Floyd and Christine Welch.