Mark Deward Welch

Mark Deward Welch of Bossier City, LA, departed this life on Thursday morning, July 14, 2022 in the comfort of his home with his loving and caring wife, Debra Ann Welch, at the age of 55, after a seven-year battle with colon cancer.  He was born on October 26, 1966 in Lake Charles, LA to Douglas Deward Welch and Mary Smith Welch Griffin.

 A well-known electrician and longtime resident of Bossier City, LA.  Mark was a loving and beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, in-law, and friend.

A memorial service honoring the life of Mark will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Reverend Bob Moore.

Mark was preceded in death by his father; mother; stepfather, William “Bill” Griffin; brother, Doug Welch; and sister, Lorena Trahan (Soileau).

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 31 years, Debra Ann Welch, Bossier City, LA; son, Michael Devin Welch and fiancé, Brandi Horsley of DeSoto, LA; daughter, Kristina Welch Irwin and husband, Cole Irwin of Bossier City, LA; grandsons, Brayden and Bryson, of DeSoto, LA; sisters, Georgie Welch of Sulphur, LA and Leona Ellett, of AL; nephew, Caleb Olbrych, of Sulphur, LA; mother-in-law, Kathy Oliver Jackson, of El Dorado, AR; and his many dear friends.

Mark was an alumnus of Bossier High School, class of 1984, and worked as a journeyman electrician for the past 37 years.

Mark enjoyed spending his time with friends and family. Mark always had a knack for reminiscing on memories. A world class storyteller, he would always have you on the edge of your seat waiting for the punchline, and it was always coming. If you had a problem, he had a story just for you. Mark enjoyed a multitude of activities, one being that he loved to barbeque. Always trying to perfect his meats, he would make them better than the last batch and he never failed to impress. Mark could quite literally fix it all. Anything and everything were at his disposal and when you saw him tinkering, he was playing as though it was the good ole days. He always had an “if its broken, I can fix it” mentality. Mark would take items the world would see as junk and turn them into the most exquisite creations one would have ever seen. He was a true self-taught artist, so much so that he developed his welding artistry into his small business, Altered Iron Creations. A true gift he had and a true gift he was. Sitting and napping in his big comfy chair was a prime activity, as was feeling free on his Harley Davidson. Although, neither of those would leave him feeling as free as he felt while being on the water. With the peace and serenity of a calming morning, casting his line without a care in the world, not caring about what he caught, just living in the moment.

Mark truly had it all – loving family, loyal lifelong friends, and great success – yet he remained humble and selfless. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Ave NW, Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005 or The Colon Cancer Coalition, 5666 Lincoln Drive, Suite 270, Edina, MN 55436.