CLAYTON WELCH PASSES AWAY

CLAYTON E. WELCH

SOUTH BARRE - Clayton E. Welch, 79, of 12 Christie St. passed away Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at his home. Born in South Ryegate on March 20, 1924, he was the son of George S. and Goldie (Hutchins) Welch. He attended Groton High School. He was a veteran of World War II 42nd Rainbow Division serving in Europe. After his discharge he returned to Groton where he helped in the family egg business. The last 25 years of his career he was employed at the Vermont Department of Employment Security. On Nov. 25, 1943, he married Pearl Towne Marvin in Fairfax. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past fall. During the '50s and '60s Clayton resided in Fairfax where he gave many hours of his time to the Volunteer Fire Department and driving ambulance for Albert Rich. He was one of the first instructors for the Vermont State Fire Fighters Association. He and Pearl were longtime members of the Fairfax United Church and have many friends in the area. During the past 50 years they resided in Fairfax, Barre, and Winter Haven, Fla., over the winters. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Third Degree, of Fairfax, the American Legion, was past president of the Vermont State Employees Association, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Barre and the United Church of Fairfax. His hobbies were buying and trading cars and dancing. He enjoyed playing his trumpet and Baldwin organ, and playing cards with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Pearl, of South Barre; five children, Diana and husband Roger LeClair of Northfield Fall, Connie and husband Harold Putney Jr. of South Barre, Steven and wife Martha Welch of Chittenden, Donovan and wife Carl Welch of Milton, Jennifer and husband, Tim Brogan of Ballston Spa, N.Y; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Clayton is also survived by two sisters, Ida Dennis of Groton and Minnie Tinkham of Alton, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Lester Welch, Austin Welch and Carlos Welch; three sisters, Nellie French, Alice Puffer and Nettie Darling; and one grandson, Joshua Welch. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church on Washington Street in Barre, with the Rev. Craig Thompson officiating. Family and friends may call at the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre, on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Entombment will be in the Elmwood Vault in Barre, with a spring burial in the Fairfax Plains Cemetery in Fairfax. Contributions in Clayton's memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 24 Washington St., Barre, Vt. 05641, or to the United Church of Fairfax, Fairfax, Vt. 05454.