Joseph R. Welch, 79, of Millbury, Ohio peacefully went to meet the Lord, surrounded by his loving family, August 11, 2015 at home. He was born in Gilboa, Ohio on November 1, 1935 to John and Mamie (Prowant) Welch. He graduated from Cory Rawson High School and The University of Findlay. He was a member of the US Army, stationed in Germany. Joseph was employed by Toledo Public Schools as a teacher for 17 years and eventually became a Realtor. He was a longtime member of the Cory Rawson Masonic Lodge. Joseph was also a dedicated member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Millbury. Surviving is his wife of 57 years, Barbara; children, Debra (Martin) Lowry, Marsha Welch, Stephanie (Larry) Schlievert, Terry Welch, Melanie (Troy) Soncrant and Michelle Welch; grandchildren, Ashley, Melissa, Matthew, Tyler and Erica; special friend, Lucas Fernandes; and siblings, Forrest, Gary, Janet, Arden and Kevin. He was preceded in death by his parents and 7 siblings. Friends may call at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road (east of I-280) on Friday, August 14 from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Visitation will also take place at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. 1459 South Street, Millbury Ohio on Saturday, August 15 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Lake Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to St. Paul's United Methodist Church or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Joseph's family would like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their support during his final days.