Leroy Welch Jr

On July 7, 1934, Pastor Leroy Welch Jr. was born to the late Leroy Welch, Sr. and Beadie Welch in Idabel, OK. He attended Idabel, Oklahoma public schools. In 1955, Leroy laid eyes on a beautiful young lady, Ada Marie Sonier claiming her to be his future wife. After courting her they became husband and wife which proved to be the perfect complement and a match that was definitely made in Heaven. From this union came 6 wonderful children; Linda, Kenneth, Erma, Melanie, Emmitt, and Troy.

Leroy Welch Jr. accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Idabel, OK. He was hard working and an honorable man who went the extra mile to provide and care for his family. In his early years, he worked on various jobs but later found his place at The Port of Houston where he worked until retirement. He also found his passion in nature and started his own tree cutting and pruning business where he was instrumental in teaching his sons the value of working and giving back to God for all his many blessings. Having a love for nature, Leroy had the "Midas Touch." He had a love for agriculture—farming and gardening, as well as a love for people. Whatever he touched and whomever he touched blossomed and flourished under his tutelage. God was truly edified through all that he came in contact with on a daily basis.

Leroy often told the story of entering Gospel Hill Baptist Church while Pastor Thomas Julius Calhoun Sr. was preaching the message, and like being drawn to a magnet, he rose to the call and recommitted his life to the Lord, establishing an unwavering commitment to living a life filled with the Holy Spirit. Following the death of Pastor Calhoun, Leroy Welch Jr. continued to serve faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Robert M. Hobley as a deacon, teacher, trustee and minister at Gospel Hill Baptist Church. He was active in Sun-day School, Baptist Training Union, Brotherhood, and Vacation Bible School. When Rev. Welch arrived back in Oklahoma, he initially became a member of First Baptist Church, Westside where he served as a minister under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Ralph F. White until becoming the full time Pastor of Rebecca Baptist Church. He learned how to use his time well in ministry, devoting his time to teaching and preaching God's Holy Word and professing the Good News.
The one testament that everyone who knows him can attest to is that—Pastor Leroy Welch Jr. could bring the house down with his prayers. He prayed for his wife, his children, his Christian family, his friends, and those who just didn't quite get on board with his Love for Christ. The doors of Gospel Hill, First Baptist Westside, and Rebecca Baptist would tremble and the congregation would stir as the power of prayer moved bodies and souls to have a little talk with Jesus and bring Glory to His Name. Can't we all just hear his voice now as he began devotion with "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah." Reverend Welch loved his job as Pastor. He loved his church and the sheep he was given to shepherd. He did not take this job lightly or for granted, but he was dedicated to the task to be the shepherd God had called him to be. He also loved the role of being a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. He lived the life that he preached about, professing, "May the work I've done speak for me; may the life I live speak for me; and may the service I give speak for me. When I am resting in my grave, there is nothing that can be said; may the work I've done speak for me."

Pastor Leroy Welch Jr. leaves to cherish and celebrate his life and legacy… his loving wife of 57 years, Ada Marie Welch, children—Linda Lotts, Kenneth Welch, Erma Welch-Benford, Melanie Gibson, Emmitt Welch, Troy Welch, siblings—Roy Welch, Eugene Welch, Liz White, Lula Johnson, Zeddie Bettison, Ernestine Washington, Linda Harrell, Michael Welch, Terry Welch, Caroline Welch-Childs, Idera Welch, and Sandra Welch, and 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephew's, cousins, friends and the entire Rebecca Baptist Church Family.
Reverend Welch is rejoicing as he's joined that great cloud of witnesses which includes his parents, his brothers - Hilton Welch, Morris Welch, Emmitt Welch, and Leon Welch, and many others who have gone on to receive their reward. Pastor Leroy Welch Jr. will surely be missed but, never forgotten.
Funeral arrangements are set for Saturday July 20, 2013 at First Baptist 2 Southeast Jefferson Idabel, Oklahoma 74745.

The only Wake and Visitation will commence at 9 am and end at 11 am at the Church Saturday morning.

His Celebration of Life will begin promptly at 11 am.

Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.