Joseph Madison Welch

Joseph Madison “Joe” Welch, 77, died at his home in Murray, KY with his faithful furry companion, Bella, by his side. Joe was a loving father and husband and understood the importance of family and the value of hard work. Most of his important life decisions were based on his love for his family--from planning the number of rooms in his house to grand family reunions and get-togethers. Joe had a love for the outdoors, working in his yard, and his dogs. Some of his dearest animal companions were strays who wandered into his life. Joe bravely served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the Army 9^th Infantry Division. He earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle and the Army Combat Infantry Badge. Joe was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Joe was born in Brownsville, TN and graduated from Haywood High School, Jackson State Community College, Memphis State University, and Georgia Southern University with his MBA. Prior to his retirement, he worked in road construction, primarily with Lehman-Roberts and Memphis Stone and Gravel, starting with physically building roads and ending his career as a manager and chief estimator. He had a life-long love of learning that he instilled in others which he continued by taking art classes and creating paintings after his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Goodloe Welch; his mother, Ramsey Lynn Hawkins Welch; his brothers: John Welch, Louis Haak, Jack Lee Haak; and his sister: Maryann Haak Merryman.

Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 34 years: Judith Marbury “Judy” Welch; his daughter: Michelle Welch Brasfield (Reed); his stepsons: Wade Morgan (Kimberly) and Seth Morgan (Gray); nine grandchildren: Spencer Morgan, Morgan Monroe, Claire Morgan, Dawsey Morgan, Lily Lovelace Brasfield, Hamilton Morgan, Collier Morgan, Jake Morgan, and Marbury Morgan; his sisters: Jane Welch Hopkins (Dickie) and Annie Ramsey Welch Parham; his brothers: Jimmie Welch and Jarmon Welch; numerous loved nieces and nephews; and special great-niece and great-nephew: Kayler Grace and Drew Hopkins. He is also survived by his childhood friend since first grade: Taylor Chapman, and Taylor’s brother: Jimmy Chapman, who was also a dear friend.

The family of Joe Welch will host a celebration of life in his loving memory on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 2:00 in the afternoon at the home of his cousin, Bob Bond: Bond’s Crossing, 5236 Brownsville Highway, Denmark, TN 38391. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516; Topeka, KS, 66675-8516) or your local animal shelter. The most meaningful memorial to Joe would be to adopt or foster a stray or shelter dog. The family would like to thank Bob Bond who graciously offered to have Joe’s celebration of life at his home, as well as Dillon Sanders and his family, Joe’s next-door neighbors in Murray, KY, who were attentive to him during the decline in his health.