Claude Thomas Welch

Claude Thomas Welch, 85, of Buchanan, Va., died on Wednesday, November 19, 2008. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Fay Camper Welch, first wife, Elsie Jane Weston Welch; parents, Albert and Fannie Dooley Welch; and he was one of 17 children. He was a member and former deacon of Mill Creek Baptist Church, member of S.O.A.R #1023, an avid gardener, an antique collector, and loving father. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Janet Welch, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Rodney and Christy Welch, of Vinton; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Welch and James Bowden, of Roanoke, and Janice Levon Welch and Michael Clark, of Salem; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey Bowden, Jayci Bowden, Heather Clark, Jennifer Welch, Melinda Welch, Shawn Welch Prillaman, and Jessica Morris; seven greatgrandchildren; brothers, Alton and William Welch; sister, Commie W. Staton; and brother-in-law and sister-inlaw, Louis and Gene Camper. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2008, in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. J. Randolph Daniels officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to make a contribution, please consider the Mill Creek Baptist Church, Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank, or your favorite charity. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 21, 2008, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home, 540-254-3000.