Andrew “Andy” Michael Welch, 82, died peacefully in Ocean Springs Hospital Singing River Health System on Saturday, November 25, 2017. Andy Welch was born on July 25, 1935 in Charleston, SC to Andrew and Geraldine Welch. In 1951, he joined the Air Force. He met his loving wife, Liz (Elsbeth), when he was stationed at Rhein Main Air Force Base in Germany. In 1962 Andy and Liz married and transferred to Biloxi, MS. He remained in the Air Force until he retired in 1976 and moved to Ocean Springs. He did continue working at Ingalls and Litton until he officially retired at the age of 61. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife whom he adored. They would have been married 55 years this December. He also loved spending time surrounded by his furry animals: dogs, cats. Just about anything with fur was welcome in the house.
He is survived by his loving wife, Liz (Elsbeth) Welch; son, Andrew Welch (Laurie); his daughters, Rita O’Connor (Kelly) and Diane Jakins (John); his six grandchildren Sydney Welch, Courtney Welch, Matthew Welch, Taylor Jakins, Katherine Jakins, Haley O’Connor; and one great-grandchild, James Sory-Welch.
Visitation for friends will take place at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations to one of his favorite charities would greatly be appreciated. Those charities would include The Jackson County Animal Shelter, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and the Susan G. Komen Foundation Breast Cancer Foundation.