Arnold Welch

Funeral services for Arnold Ray Welch, age 86 of Columbia, will be held at 2 PM Friday, November 13, 2015 from the sanctuary of House of Prayer International Woolen Lake, Columbia, LA with Bro. David Sistrunk officiating. Interment will follow at Woolen Lake Cemetery under the direction of Riser Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 5 PM to 8 PM at House of Prayer International, Woolen Lake, Columbia, LA. Mr. Welch was born on March 20, 1929 in Elps, LA to the union of his parents: Edward "Ed" Welch and Audye Estelle Boles Welch and passed from this life with his beloved wife at his side on November 9, 2015 at Haven Nursing Center, Columbia, LA. Arnold was a dutiful servant of his church, Woolen Lake (House of Prayer International) and used his carpentry skills many times over in maintaining and building for the church. Due to his masterful technique and fair dealing with people many sought his carpentry and painting talents for their homes and businesses in the community. He was a joker who enjoyed making people laugh and was loved by the children of the church. He created nicknames for many of those he worked with and his friends. Arnold loved people and people loved Arnold. He enjoyed spending his extra time fishing. Arnold served his country as a member of the US Navy. He was a good husband, daddy and granddaddy to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Olga Blaylok, Ouida Welch, Florece Carter; brother, Raymond Welch; grandson, Michael Ray Fife and son-in-law, Michael Fife. Those left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 64 years; Jo Ann Walker Welch of Rayville; son, Jeff Welch and wife, Debbie of MN; daughter, Theresa Fife of Rayville; brother, Carl Welch of Jackson, LA; grandchildren: Shad Fife, Haley Walker and Kristy Minchew and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Peck Wilson, Donald Wilson, Danny Wilson, Louis Rogers, Jim Oliveaux and Shad Fife.