Major (Ret.) Gerald "Jerry" Welch

Major (Ret.) Gerald "Jerry" Welch, U.S. Army Infantry of Williamsburg, Va., formerly of Chatsworth, Ga., died Dec. 22, 2003, at the age of 69 from cancer attributed to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. 

Jerry retired in 1972 following 20 years of dedicated service to our country. He was a survivor of both the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts where he served multiple tours and was awarded three Bronze Star medals. After retirement he was employed by Person Ford for many years, after which he managed the bus station at Fort Eustis and later assisted his son in opening his business, Comic Cubicle.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carol Curtis Welch; a son, Mark D. Welch; and his most loyal Jack Russell Terrier, Tom Sawyer. Also, a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Joanne Welch; a sister and brother-in-law, Nina and Raymond Cochran; sister, Sharrah Henderson; and several nieces and nephews of Chatsworth and Dalton, Ga.

The family appreciates the kind care from his nurse Carol and the staff of Hospice House, especially Robin and Jean.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening, Dec. 28, at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg. A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held 11 a.m. Monday morning, Dec. 29, at Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Hospice Support Care of Williamsburg at Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188, or the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

Arrangements by Nelsen Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered online at www.nelsenfh.com.

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