Robert Welch

Robert Philip Welch "Rob" 53, went to be with our Lord on Friday June 21st 2019 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Rob was born 12/29/1965 in Battle Creek MI to Gary and Linda Welch. He graduated from Parchment High School in 1984 and shortly after joined the US Army. Rob had numerous jobs throughout his life but had a special passion for HVAC. He opened 24/7 Heating and Cooling in 2008 and serviced many people throughout our community. Rob loved to help people, many times he performed services for discounted prices or for nothing at all. Just knowing he helped someone was enough for him. Rob was a talented song writer and musician. He had a poets heart and performed locally in several bands over the years. His music will live on in our hearts forever. He was an avid racing fan and beloved member of the local racing community. NASCAR, Sprints, local circle track, dirt, pavement, he didn't care he loved them all. He raced for years locally and when he could no longer race he attended them regularly. Rob was preceded in death by his infant son Randal Philip Welch, maternal grandparents Darrell Murphy, Tex and DeeDee Middleton, and paternal grandparents Bert and Maxine Welch. Rob is survived by his wife Chavala Welch, parents Thomas and Linda Stanfield, children Elizabeth Brooks, Shelby Kelly, Robert Welch Jr, Cody Slack, and Kelsey Slack, grandchildren Jaxon Brooks, and Lucas Kelly, brother Thomas Standfield, sisters Julie Holden, Katie Brandel, and Jennifer Bartlett, numerous Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held July 13th 2019 at 11:00 am at Threads Church 2031 E Cork Street Kalamazoo MI, 49001. Rob lived his life in service of others and in service of our Lord. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will live on forever. He will be truly missed.