Glen Alton Welch passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 73 years old.

Glen was born September 28, 1939 to Omer and Margaret McDaniel Welch, in Armorel, Ark. The oldest of nine children, Glen spent the first 16 years of his life in Missouri with his family. He then moved to Mississippi and stayed with his Uncle Dan and Aunt Laverne Pettus. He got a job with the railroad at the age of 16 and worked for the New Orleans Public Belt RR and Amtrak for 43 years.

In 1959, Glen married Lavert Lumpkin in Picayune. Together they had a beautiful daughter, Melinda Welch Vitale Shaw, who survives, and a son, Omer Welch II who passed away after a short time on this earth. Lavert and Glen remained friends till his death.

In 1989, Glen married Doreen Stockstill, together they raised a son, Rick Teague, who also survives. They enjoyed a wonderful life together, and Doreen was always by his side, and took loving care of him during his recent illness.

Glen was an avid race fan…not only a fan, but a stock car driver in the 60’s, where he made life-long friends every Saturday night. You knew where Glen was going to be when there was a race on TV…in his recliner, in front of his big screen tv. Glen also loved animals, in particular his beloved doberman, Lady, and his miniature doberman Little Lady…several members of the family received puppies from Lady, and Glen treated them all with the same love he did his own dogs. Doreen and Glen also became the caretakers of several raccoons while living in Hide A Way…they always had food for them.

Glen was a wonderful son to his mother, a great brother to his sisters and brothers, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He also earned the respect and love of his many nieces and nephews. And countless friends who have shown their love and friendship to him over his lifetime, and especially during these past few weeks.

Glen was preceded in death by: his parents; his son, Omer; his brothers, Jimmy, Jacky, and Roger; and his brothers-in-law, Homer HIllhouse, Hansel Proctor, and Wayne Burgess.

He is survived by: his wife, Doreen; daughter, Melinda (Brad); grandsons, Anthony Vitale IV and Dominick Vitale; son, Rick (Connie); grandchildren, Clayton, Kyle, and Courtney; sisters, Wanda Proctor, Janet Hillhouse (Jim), Deloris Burgess; brothers, Jerry (Terrie) and Danny Welch; sisters-in-law, Judy and Laura; and cousin, Jo Nell Vaughan. Also survived by several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and many cousins who Glen always kept in touch with. His brother and sisters-in-law, Tom (Donna) Stockstill, Karl (Karen) Stockstill, Reba (Luke) Broom; and a very special aunt Julia “Mae” (RT) Taylor.

Graveside services for Glen will be held Thursday, November 1, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Sones Chapel Cemetery.

A gathering of family and friends will be held after the service at Central Baptist Church Fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Pearl River County, SPCA, 1700 Palestine Road, Picayune, MS 39466. McDonald Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.