Francis Terry Welch, 72, of Cherokee passed away at his home on Nov. 3, 2012. He was a resident of the Birdtown Community and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonah Welch and Olive McCoy; son-in-law Anton Saunooke; granddaughter, Anna Welch Saunooke; and brothers, Johnny Welch, Tommy Welch, and Thurman Welch.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda Dale Owl Welch; daughters, Sandy Welch, Kandy Welch, Tina Welch Saunooke, Terri Welch Griffin, and Hope Garcia; brothers, Kenneth Welch and Calvin Murphy; sisters, Bernice Lambert and Inez Welch. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the chapel of Long House Funeral Home on Monday Nov. 5 from 6-8pm. The funeral service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday at Long House Funeral Home. The burial will follow at the Birdtown Cemetery.
The Rev. Ed Kilgore and Brother Ray Kinsland will officiate. Pall Bearers will be Noon Ensley, Makenzie Garcia, Nicholas Garcia, Anthony Saunooke, Dylan Wahnetah, and Estefan Welch.
Long House Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. An on-line memorial is available at www.longhousefuneralhome.com.