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Bobby Lee Welch, 83

Bobby Lee Welch, 83, died peacefully at the Schneidmiller Hospice House on Sunday morning, Sept. 23, 2018, with his family present. Bobby was born in Caddo Gap, Ark., on Feb. 19, 1935, to Charlie and Elsie Welch. He was the oldest of seven children.

Bobby graduated from St. Maries High School in 1954 and joined the Army in 1955, where he became a military policeman. The Army took him to Heidelberg, Germany, where he met and married his first wife, Maria. The Army took him to many duty assignments in Arizona, Kentucky and other places in the U.S., as well as Panama. He also served in Vietnam.

After retiring from the Army in 1974 as a Staff Sergeant, he returned with his family to his hometown of St. Maries, Idaho, where he served as a city policeman before going to work for Potlatch. Later he moved to Kellogg, Idaho, and Junction City, Ore., before returning to his beloved North Idaho where he lived the remaining years of his life.

In addition to being a soldier, he was athletically gifted. He was a member of the All Army Softball Team, and was named Army Softball (Fastpitch) Pitcher of the Year and also given the title of Arizona Pitcher of the Year. He enjoyed fishing, softball, basketball, golf and was a relentless pinochle player.

His surviving siblings include Wilma (Bud) Phillips, Nelta (Bill, USN Retired) Tayman, Joyce Corolla, Bill (Janet) Welch, Brenda (Curt, USAF Retired) Musselman and Becky Nehring. Bobby is survived by his wife, Nancy; his seven children: Billy Welch (USCG), Robert (Ana) Welch, Kathy (Steve) Humes (both USA retired), Karen (Robert) Roman, Kay (Darin) Zarpentine, Debra (Steve) Welch and Darlene Welch; along with 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 15 nieces and nephews.

He attended Lake City Church and loved his Lord. His kindness to others demonstrated that love.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, at Lake City Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a reception following. Military honors will be held at 2:15 p.m. at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, or www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Bobby’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.