Obituary of Robert Lee Welch

Robert L Welch "Uncle Bob"

Robert was born September 26, 1923 and passed away on May 4, 2019. He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife of 55 years, Anne Welch. Bob retired from 20 years of service in the United States Navy. Upon retirement he worked for DuPont Chemical Company. He loved and cared for his country, his family, and his church. He was also a member of The Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Uncle Bob will be missed by his sister, and many nieces and nephews.

We pray that he will Rest in Peace.

Eulogy:

A farm boy from Arkansas who strived to meet the honor of selfless sacrifice and duty to his fellow countrymen during World War II. Bob traveled the world aboard many vessels in order to preserve the Freedoms we all hold dear. Uncle Bob primarily lived a life of selfless dedication to his beloved wife of 55 years, Anne Welch, as well as his extended family of nieces and nephews. He volunteered his time for families in need. Uncle Bob was organized and extremely conservative. While preparing his home for sale, my wife Theresa and daughter Lauren, and myself could not find anything out place. We emptied drawers, cabinets, and the garage of donations and recyclable items without finding as much as a stray penny. After days of grueling labor to complete the cleanup Theresa found a penny in a crack on his driveway. It was heads up. I suppose for good luck. We decided to leave it for the new owner.

Uncle Bob decided to drive to Arkansas to visit his sisters one summer week. Theresa attempted to dissuade him to no avail. He made it to Salt Lake City in one leg of the trip. Upon arrival to the motel, he found himself unable to extract himself from the driver's seat. He had become so stiff from his hours of driving that he was unable to move. He called the motel's registrars desk and asked for assistance out of his car. He called us as if we could rescue him from Tacoma. After a grueling night he decided to turn back home. He made it just past Ellensburg before exhaustion forced him to park on the shoulder of I-90. A highway patrolman awakened him to assist him to a rest stop. Uncle Bob was so proud to tell us that the officer had to hold up miles of weary travelers to allow Bob a two mile drive west to the nearest rest stop. He made it home the next day.

This speaks volumes as to his humorous and stubborn nature. Uncle Bob's heart was in the right place.

Robert will be missed for his resilience and his dedication to God, Family and Country.

We hereby salute you Uncle Bob, and we pray for your rest and peace.

Graveside services to be held at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma, WA.