Donald E. Welch

Donald E. Welch, age 73, of Wayland went to be with his Lord Sunday, January 19, 2014 in Brownsville Texas. Donald was born July 16, 1940 in Grand Rapids to Paul and Jeanette Margaret (Ekkens) Welch. On June 22, 1962 at the Fairview Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI he married Shirley Ann DeVries. Don was a brick layer, builder and farmer in the area for many years. He enjoyed his friends in Brownsville, TX, going to restaurants with his friends and just spending time with his family. Don leaves behind: wife Shirley, children Rick (Sue) Welch, Donna ( Jeff) Knuver, Dale (Kerri) Welch, sisters Mary (Bill) Miller and Helen (Bob) Sabin, in-laws Ron (Gloria) DeVries, Henry (Bobbie) DeVries, Russell (Linda) DeVries, Luann (Dave) Lampen, Bob (Bonnie) DeVries grandchildren Tim Welch, Jennifer (John IV) Schnittker, Amy Knuver, Katie Knuver, Stephanie Knuver, Logan Welch, honorary granddaughter Kara Noble and great-grandchild John Schnittker V along with many nieces and nephews. Preceding Don in death are: his parents, grandchildren Tracey Ann Knuver, Sarah Ann Welch and honorary granddaughter Kaelee Grace Noble and brother-in-law Tom Opper. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Education Building at the Christian Reformed Church 303 E Elm St, Wayland, MI 49348 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm with a Funeral services being held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the Christian Reformed Church at 12 noon. Interment will take place at Maplewood Cemetery in Hopkins. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the SON-Life Camp 189 126th Ave Wayland, MI or the Building fund at the Christian Reformed Church 303 E Elm St, Wayland, MI 49348.