Merlin H. Welch

Merle Welch, 77, a resident of Cohutta, GA passed away Saturday, December 11, 2010 in a local hospital. He was employed with Mermaid Mattress. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Elda Eder Welch; two sons, Ronald Welch and Robert Welch; one brother, Richard Welch; and four sisters, Margaret Pepperman, Grace Pepperman, Agnes Pepperman and Lois Fink. Survivors include his wife, Janice Welch of Cohutta, GA; four sons, Randy Welch of Muncie, PA, Larry Welch of Delaware, Michael Welch of Williamsport, PA, and K. David Welch of Salladaysburg, PA; three daughters, Carolyn Welch Barner of Jersey Shore, PA, Robyn Welch of PA, and Shannon Welch of Cohutta, GA; one brother, Gordon Welch of Williamsport, PA; three sisters, Florence Reed and Kathryn Fisher, both of Williamsport, PA and Sarah Woodring of Montgomery, PA; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services with military honors will be held Monday at 4 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home with Mr. Roger Pickett, Mr. Wesley Gaier, and Rev. Derek Simpson officiating. Interment will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at National Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN. The family will receive friends Monday from 3-4 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.grissomfh.net.