Glenn Edward Welch

Glenn Edward Welch, 70, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus at his home on Wednesday, March 17, 2023, with his loving wife Connie by his side. His Grandpa welcomed him home. Glenn was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Betty Bridgeman (Welch) Mullis and Arthur Welch. At age 8, the family moved to Virginia where Glenn grew up in the West End Area of Roanoke. Glenn was married to Ruth Lester (Hodges) for 14 years, and they were blessed with two beautiful children, Cory Lynne Welch and Amy Leigh Welch. Glenn attended Jefferson High School but quit school after the 11th grade. As he often said, after a summer of digging ditches, he decided to return to school to get his diploma! He served as an Aviation Electronics Technician in the United States Navy for six years where he earned the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer as a flight crew member for a C-130 at VQ-4. He was employed by Master TV/Curtis Mathes as an Electronics Technician for a number of years where he met the love of his life, Connie. Glenn later retired from Glenn, Feldmann, Darby and Goodlatte. Glenn and Connie were married on July 11, 1987 (so Glenn could remember the date!) and honeymooned at Cape Hatteras where they tent camped under the stars. They lived in Vinton so their children could attend William Byrd High School until moving to “their little piece of heaven” in Hardy in 1997. They enjoyed many trips to the beach and camping at Arcadia and Lake Moomaw. In 1999, they were fortunate to go to Oregon and Northern California for their trip of a lifetime.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Ernest and Goldia Bridgeman, his brother Douglas Craig Welch and his parents-in-law Roy and Margaret Adams. He was also predeceased by his precious dogs Frisco and Ellie Mae whom he told Connie near the end that he would meet at the Rainbow Bridge.
Glenn is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 36 years whom Glenn described as the love of his life. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Cory and Fran Welch of Forest, and his daughter, Amy Welch of Roanoke. In addition, his grandchildren Kaitlyn Welch, Brandon and wife Lynn (and their soon to be born son Shiloh), Meghann Hartman, Wyatt Hartman and Mason Welch. Glenn also leaves behind his brother Randy Welch, sister Tamera Cline and brother Marvin Mullis, as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition, he leaves behind his dear friends Deidre Lloyd, Danny and Kathy Williams, Karen Richards, and Dalton Lloyd as well as his sweet kitty, Sugar (Shug).
Connie and the family wish to express their sincere gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice (especially Chaplain Denise, whom he referred to as his “preacher lady”, Annie, Erin, Lin, and Sandy). They are also forever grateful for Karen Richards, Taylor Sherrill, Pastor Josh Cunningham and Paul Moore who prayed for Glenn and were instrumental in his decision to accept the Lord as his Savior. Connie also wishes to thank her friends and co-workers at Prosperity Life, Lighthouse Bible Church, and the many friends and neighbors who provided comfort and support to her and Glenn.
Pastor Josh Cunningham and Paul Moore will officiate. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Lotz Funeral Home in Vinton. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home. A reception will be held at Lighthouse Bible Church after the service. While flowers are appreciated, donations in Glenn’s memory can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, West End Community Center, or Blue Ridge Literacy.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind to someone today.” “.. For truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you”. Matthew 17:20 ESV.

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