Loyal O. "Buddy" Welch

1939 - 2010

Loyal O "Buddy" Welch 1939 - 2010 Loyal O "Buddy" Welch was born on April 24, 1939 in McFarland, California to Loyal and Verna Welch. He passed away at San Joaquin Hospital on November 6, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Buddy is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Welch of 25 years; his daughters, Michelle Bics of Bakersfield, Renee (Tom) Hancox of Okenogan WA; his grandchildren, Nicole Bics, Travis Durant, Julie Hancox, and Craig Hancox; great grandchildren, Thomas Hancox and Abigail Hancox. He is also survived by his sisters, Billie Jean Linnebach and Barbara (John) Gardiner and many loving nieces and nephews. Buddy was preceded by his parents and older brother Carroll Welch. Buddy attended high schools in Tulare and McFarland. He graduated in 1956 from McFarland High School where he was active in football and president of FFA. He was a State Farmer, and Eagle Scout. He loved sky diving, hunting, fishing and barbequing. He co-owned Circle Four Gunite, building pools until forced to retire because of ill health. Even so he continued with many hobbies, inventor of fishing beepers, creating and welding artistic plant containers, and tending his many Koi in the pond he designed and built years ago. Evelyn would especially like to acknowledge Mon Arguelles, his nurse and friend who assisted in his home hospital care. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 11, at 11:00 a.m., at Hillcrest Mortuary with Minister David Prentice officiating Christ of Christ. His ashes will be scattered at Sea off the coast of Cambria. www.bakersfield.com/obits