John Welch

John Welch, age 95, of Hot Springs, passed away on February 28, 2024.  He was born November 29, 1928, in Daisy, AR to Clifton and Ida (Lowery) Welch.  

Other than his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Welch; siblings, James “Jess” Roland, Evarie Delise, Hermigene Welch, Nezza Ernst, and Randy Joe Welch.

Loving survivors include his daughter, Darla Welch; sister, Sylvia Vaughn; brother, Donald Welch; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

John had a long and memorable life that was filled with travels and adventures that took him all over the world. As a young man, John worked in Murfreesboro, Arkansas clearing property to build what is now Lake Greeson. 

After completion of the job he ended up going to Alaska with his brother Hermigene and working in a sawmill until being drafted for the United States Army.  John served his country proudly during the Korean War and after his service time, he moved to Michigan and worked for Studebaker until they went out of business in 1966. After leaving Michigan, he joined his brother Roland in Vallejo, California to run a taxi cab company for 50 years. Around 1999, John and Mildred retired and came back to Arkansas and lived happily together for many more years. 

John enjoyed playing bean bag baseball and playing with his “grand dogs”. He loved socializing with his many friends in the neighborhood and family. When not socializing, he enjoyed catching up with the news on television.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, March 8, 2024, at Smith Family Funeral Home- Glenwood. 

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Lodi Cemetery near Glenwood.

A guest registry can be found at www.smithfamilycares.com