Gerald P. "Ged" Welch, 78 of Walton, passed away Monday May 2, 2005 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, following a long illness.

Ged was born in Norwich on June 6, 1926, the son of the late Paul and Katherine McMahon Welch. He married Dorothy M. Ingraham Poland on April 28, 1979 at Sherburne. He served his country in the Army during WW-II in the European Theatre. He was employed as a meatcutter at Big M Walton for 22 years. He was a former member and assistant fire chief of Morris Fire Dept; a former member and honorary member of Walton Fire Dept.,and the Walton American Legion Post, # 32. He excelled at sports and was a great softball player with many records set that have not been broken. He loved watching NASCAR, the New York Yankees, and Walton Football. He was also very proud of his grandchildren. On most afternoon's he could be found at TA's meeting his friends over a cup of coffee, and good conversation.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy, his children, Michael and Rahlene Welch, Fly Creek; Patricia and Timothy Winters, DeRuyter, Ted and Darlene Welch, New Berlin; Thomas Welch, Binghamton; Penny and Donald Simonds, Richfield Springs; step-children, David Poland, and Charity Washington, Jeffrey Poland and Karen Harrington, all of McDonough, Debra and Harry McAvoy, Saratoga Springs; Kathy Poland and Jerry Backus, Sidney Center; grandchildren, Chad, Renee, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Jason, Kelly, Travis, Jaime, Eric, Darrin, Nathan, Daniel, Nicholas, Kaitland, Sarah, Laura, Carolyn, John, Heather, Brian; 10 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Mary Ryan, Norwich, several nieces, nephews and his trusty little guy, Manley. He was predeceased by his foster child Ansel "Butch" Beckwith, daughter-in-law Janet Welch, a brother, Richard Welch, and a nephew, Lawrence Welch.

Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday May 7, 2005, from 10:00 AM to 12 noon at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St. Walton where a prayer service will be held at Noon, with the Rev. John Rosson, pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes St. Mary's Church, officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery, Norwich with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Ged's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Delaware County Humane Society, Delhi, or the Walton Fire Dept. Envelopes for memorial contributions are available by contacting the funeral home.