Clifford Earl Welch, Sr. was born September 29, 1933 to Ernest William Welch and Beatrice Ophelia Campbell in Seminole, OK. When he was 19 years old he married Hattie Mae Elliott, who passed away after 32 years of marriage. Clifford then married Natalia Maria O’Neill and they have spent the last 35 years together. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, Washington, IN.
Clifford is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Ethel Sexton, David Welch, Walter Danyeur, Viola Hopkins, and Troy Welch. His brother Lee Roy (Pat) Welch lives in Oklahoma.
Clifford is succeeded by his children Clifford (Petra) Welch, Jr.; David (Sue) Welch; Roger (Lisa) Welch; Mary (Warren) Forbes; Eric DePass; Byron (Brie) Welch; and honorary son Byron Pate. He has 5 grandchildren, 2 honorary grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 2 foster great grandchildren, and numerous honorary family members.
He was always willing to share his testimony about his life before he became a Christian. But by the grace of God he was able to change his life around. One of his favorite scriptures was Matthew 19:26 “…but with God all things are possible”.
At the age of 29, Clifford submitted his life to the Lord. He went to school at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. He has served his Lord and Savior faithfully since then as a pastor and a missionary. He was a Chaplain at Oklahoma State Penitentiary’s McLeod Honor Farm in McAlester, OK for several years and an Assistant Chaplain at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, LA while he was in seminary. He was also a chaplain at Daviess Community Hospital for a few years. Clifford spent 25+ years in the Republic of Panama preaching, starting missions, and teaching. While he was living in Panama he survived when the U.S. bombed his home in December 1989 during Operation Just Cause. His life has been dedicated to teaching and preaching the word of God. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
There will be a memorial service on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 5:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church. The family will be accepting friends from 3:00 P.M. until the time of service. Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery at a later date. You may leave an online condolence at www.gillsince1872.com.
Gill Funeral Service is honored to assist the Welch family with arrangements.
