Obituary of Kenneth L. Welch

Kenneth L. Welch was received by God on May 22, 2009 in Houston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents Polly & Arthur Welch and brother David Welch. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Concetta; daughter, Anna Marie Roller; son, Kenneth N. Welch & his wife Rhoda; brother, Larry & his wife Marry Ann of Crystal River, Florida; sister, Linda Sue Bass of Ft. White, Florida; and grandchildren, Andrew Roller, Manuel, Kenneth, and Kira Rose Welch. Kenneth was born on May 7, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle, nephew, and cousin. After graduating from Paxon High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees. He was a Vietnam veteran, and proudly served his country for 22 years. He received numerous awards and medals as he traveled the world. He was the first U.S. Navy-man to receive the Marvin Shields Award for his outstanding leadership role in construction on the continent of Antarctica. He was also chosen to serve at Camp David, the Presidential Retreat, for several years. After serving in Iceland for three years, he returned to the U.S. and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Kenneth continued his education and received an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Inspection Technology. He was employed as a Certified Welding Inspector by Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists in Houston. Kenneth was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. A private, graveside service with full military honors will be held at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kenneth’s name to the charity of their choice.