Garland Lee "Beanie" Welch

Garland Lee "Beanie" Welch, age 60, of Marion, IL, passed away at his home on May 30, 2023, with his loving wife by his side.
He was born on December 30, 1962, in St. Louis, MO. Garland was the son of Lyle and Carolyn (Knezle) Welch.
He married Eileen L. L'Esperance on September 25, 2006 in Las Vegas, NV and she survives him.
Garland graduated from Marion High School in the Class of 1981 and continued his education at John A. Logan College. He had a successful career as a journeyman finish carpenter and was a former member of the carpenters' union. In the last several years, Garland worked as an operator on the truck tire line for Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL.
He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: the beauty of nature and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hiking.
He was a member of Heartland Christian Church in Marion, IL.
Garland's passion for life and love for his community led him to star in a political commercial for Harry Reid, a testament to his belief in standing up for the things he held dear. His genuine personality made him an excellent advocate for the causes he supported, and his message resonated with many.
His quiet strength, and kindness will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen Welch of Marion, IL; son, Kenneth Welch and wife, Mac, of Michigan; step-daughters, Jaclyn Ogden and husband, Charles of Franklin, TN and Jennifer Davis of Norris City, IL; grandchildren, Violet Welch, Dawson Welch, Nathan Ogden and Jackson Ogden; great-uncle, Wayland Sims of Marion, IL; and cousins, Vicki Griffin and husband, Dr. Don Griffin of Marion, IL and D.C. Jones of Arkansas; and many other extended family members and friends.
Garland was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Carolyn Welch; son, Calvin Lee Welch; grandparents; his great-grandparents, who he had a special bond with, Troy and Lena Sims; aunt, Virginia Dunn; and cousin, Dr. Kevin Holmes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be held at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Following the time of visitation on Saturday, the funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Greg Gibbs and Kevin Bonifacius presiding.
Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Marion, IL.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to the "Illinois Center for Autism." Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
To leave an online condolence of memory, please visit our website at wilsonmcreynolds.com or for additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.