Bruce Edward Welch

Mr. Bruce Edward Welch, 70, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2011 at his home. Born in Kensett to Lewis Monroe and Ophia Eris Leslie Welch, he was a retired field superintendent for Systems Contracting and a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church. He loved music beyond description and always had a song in his heart even when he was down. Music was a real passion in his life and he taught himself to play the guitar at an early age, and played many other instruments including the piano, mandolin and bass guitar. He was a member of the family singing group "Deep River" with his son and grandsons. His love for music was surpassed only by his love for his wife, family and his Lord.

He served on the Northeast Arkansas Community Corrections Center Chapel committee and was very instrumental in seeing that completed. He also served as a Gideon and belonged to the Carpenter's Union. He was an honest man and loved his family and taught them his values and strong work ethic.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Richard Edward Welch; and a daughter, Amanda Holbrooks Welch; a brother, Louis Junior Welch; and two sisters, Grace Lamb Stevenson and Cecelia Welch.

He leaves his wife, Faye Hill Welch of the home;

His children and spouses, Cathy and Danny Neal of Union City, Tenn., Mike and Sarah Welch of Blytheville, Lori and Dale Forsythe of Steele and Felicia Toolooze of Blytheville;

A brother, John Welch of Hosston, La.;

Two sisters, Dorothy Trucks and Mary Smith, both of Hope; and

Eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Welch and the Rev. Danny Neal officiating. Entombment will follow at Dogwood Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at Trinity Baptist Church. Condolences may be e-mailed to cobbfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net