A Memorial Gathering for Jimmy Franklin Welch, 66, of Rye, TX will be held from 2-4:00 p.m. Sunday, December, 22 in the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home.

Jimmy was born, June 3, 1947 in Breckenridge, Texas to the late, Thomas Lee and Ella Clara (Schkade) Welch and had resided in Rye for the past 8 years. A former resident of Bridge City, Jimmy was a retired welder and former employee of Livingston Shipyard, Bethlehem Steel and Gulfport Ship Builders. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing.

Jimmy is survived by four children, Tova Welch, Kathy Welch, Angie Morgan and Paul Welch; two brothers, Johnny Welch and Thomas Welch; two sisters, Connie Welch Williams and Deborah Dommert-Ienna; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and one step-son, Lee Martin.

Friends who wish, are encouraged to make memorial donations to their local food bank or to the Salvation Army.