EAST MACHIAS – Howard O. Welch, 71, passed away peacefully at his residence with his wife by his side April 11, 2006. He was born June 10, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of the late Harlan and Edith (Miller) Welch. Howard and his wife, Laura, lived their lives together all over the United States. They have been in Maine for the past six years. During his life, Howard worked writing computer programs for weapons systems for the defense industry. He was a member of the Jacksonville Methodist Church, Jacksonville Grange and Past Master of the Washington Pomona. He was very involved in the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program and helped initiate the program in the Washington County area. Howard enjoyed working with wood. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Laura Welch; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Bellor and husband, Robert, of South Carolina; son, Daniel Howard Welch and fiance, Bonnie Stuart, of Alabama; son, David Kirk Welch and wife, Tamara, of Connecticut; two grandchildren, Charles and Amy Bellor; brother, Ralph Welch and wife, Jan, of Washington; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Patricia Lynn Welch. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Methodist Church, P.O. Box 59, East Machias, ME 04630 or to the Jacksonville Grange, care of Nate Pennell, P.O. Box 505, Machias, ME 04654. Arrangements are under the care of Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Homes.
HOWARD O. WELCH
