Leo James Welch

Leo J. Welch of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, December 19, 2009 at Brandywyne in Winter Haven.

He was born August 28, 1919 in Ottumwa, Iowa to the late John and Lola (Fern) Welch; he has been a resident of the area since 1978 coming here from Burlington, Iowa. He was a retired Parts Manager for Hawkeye Motor Co. in Burlington, Iowa and was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was a former member of V.F.W., Eagles and Elks Lodge all in Burlington, Iowa. He was an avid fisherman, life member of B.A.S.S. and was well acquainted with its founder, Ray Scott. He served in the US Navy during World War II and Korea; he was a sailor who built radio stations from Maine to Aruba and was a Crypto logic expert.

Leo was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Welch; second wife, Val Welch; four brothers, John, Bill, Kenneth and Harold; two sisters, Kathryn Bride and Ruth Short.

Survivors include his sister, Mary Merk of Blaine, Minnesota; loyal and true friends, Roy and (wife) Rose Seymour of Lake Wales.

Family will receive firends from 10:00 AM until the prayer services at 11:30 AM with Rev. Herb Schlenker officiating, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Interment will be held at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, December 23 at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida with the Sumter County Honor Guard conducting military services.

To view the webcast of his service, please click the link below;
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/108635