John Gilbert Welch

John Gilbert Welch October 6, 1937 - May 21, 2016 John Gilbert Welch, age 78, of St. Augustine, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring surrounded by his family. John was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. After graduating from high school, he left Hawaii for the mainland to join the United States Air Force. John was trained and served as an engineer and flight instructor in the Air Force. He served in the Vietnam War, and later in Greenland, and retired after 20 years of service. In his life after the military, John worked as an Applications Engineer for Square D Electrical in Peru, Indiana, Tampa, Florida, and Seneca, South Carolina, before retiring in 2000. In his retirement John studied Theology and served in many different ministries including: Prison Fellowship, Addiction Counseling, and a Nursing Home Ministry. He was a member of San Sebastian Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and was a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels Program. John was also very patriotic and was a member of the American Legion, Disabled Veteran’s Association, and Vietnam Veteran Association. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. More than anything John was a man of great faith, and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Welch of St. Augustine; a son, John D. Welch of Winter Haven, FL; daughters, Teresa Welch Wooley (Ted) of St. Augustine, FL, Cynthia Welch Perez of Kokoma, IN, Deborah Welch Wolfe of Russiaville, IN, Linda Welch of Winter Haven, FL; step-sons, David E. Dick of St. Augustine, FL, Steven Dick (Karen) of Swansea, IL; sisters, Joan Wela (George) of Hawaii, Juanita Kailihiwa of Turlock, CA; grandchildren, Nichole, Jennifer, James, Ashley, Robbie, Abbe, Mark, Britni, Ted Jr., and Matthew; and great-grandchildren, Rollin, Hayley, Jadien, Jack, Chase, Cate, T.J., Madison, Brantley, and Nolan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Deacon George Murati officiating. A visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. will precede the service. Interment with military honors will take place following the services at 2:00 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.