It is with great sadness that the family of Donald E. "Sparty" Welch, 73 of St. Johns, MI announces his passing on January 2, 2018 due to complications during surgery at University of Michigan Hospital. Don was born on November 4, 1944 in Midland, MI the son of Basil E. and Dorotha (Murra) Welch. He graduated from Blanchard High School and had attended Michigan State University.
Don owned and operated D.E. Welch Plumbing and Heating for several years and then worked for the State of Michigan, Fire Marshall Division as a mechanical contractor from where he retired. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved the MSU Spartans, golfing, playing cards and watching his granddaughters play softball.
On July 24, 1965 he married the love of his life, Eileen J. Bennett in Remus, MI. He was the loving father of son Gregory (Katrina) Welch of Lansing and daughter Karri Welch of Portland, proud grandfather “Poppy” to Hunter and Paige, brother to Reita Miller of Sheridan and “Sparty” to many others. Don will be remembered by everyone who met him for his unique ability to listen, ask questions and give advice with quiet, measured wisdom. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A celebration of Don's life will be held on May 26, 2018. Arrangements will be announced. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, friend, or walk in the woods for a moment, an hour or a day. Time waits for no one.
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