Johnnie Terrell Welch went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2019 at Westwood Manor. Johnnie enjoyed working with his hands and had created many beautiful and amazing things for his friends and family.  He was extremely patriotic and served in the Louisiana National Guard as a young man.  He will be loved and missed by all those who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Nelda Merle Dukes Welch; 3 children, Terrell Wayne Welch of Plano, Texas; Frances Lynette Welch Bellemin and husband Roy of Ball, Louisiana and Brett Alan Welch and wife Kreshnike of Austin, Texas; nine loving grandchildren, Rebecca, Victoria, Bethany, Emily, Zebulun, Isaac, and Samuel Bellemin,  Leke and Eli Welch; 3 siblings, Sherrie Welch, Morris “Sluggo” Welch and wife Wendy, and Lou Joyce Wylie all of DeQuincy, Louisiana; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Johnnie William Welch and Henrietta Lambert Welch of DeQuincy, Louisiana; and his infant son Jesse.

You will be loved and missed, but we know you are in a better place. This is not goodbye, but only a short parting.  We will all celebrate together again in heaven. The family would like to thank Westwood Manor, Beauregard Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Granger for their love, dedication, and attention over the past several months.

Services for Mr. Welch will be at Texas Avenue Baptist Church in Deridder, LA on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM also at Texas Avenue Baptist Church. Pastor Lindsey Burns will officiate.  Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, Louisiana. The family has requested donations be made to St. Jude’s in Mr. Welch’s name in lieu of flowers.  A fellowship luncheon will be served following the interment at the church for family and friends.