Billy Welch
Bethalto | Save
Billy A. Welch, Sr., 87, of Bethalto, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Billy was born on November 15, 1937, in Alton, the son of Wilbur and Elsa Geraldine “Jerry” Welch. He married Fleta M. Ward on November 12, 1957, in Worden at the Hope Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on September 29, 2016.
Billy started life in Alton as the first baby born at Alton Memorial Hospital. In his youth, the family moved to Worden where Billy enjoyed hunting with his father and sports activities in school with track, baseball and basketball. Later in life he found golf, and was a competitive bowler in the Men’s Industrial league.
Billy Joined the Army and attained Sergeant first class rank serving in the Nike Hercules missile system until his Honorable discharge in 1977. He then worked for Owens Illinois in the machine shop tool room as a dispatcher until his retirement in 2005.
Billy was known to be a practical joker and had the biggest laugh that everyone will miss. Most of all Billy loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Survivors include his children, Loretta "Lori" Winskie of Melrose, Florida, and Susan (Brian) Huff of Bethalto; grandchildren, Jarin (Michael) Kenney, Jenna (Brent) Bathurst, Jaime (Matt) Dyal, and Hannah (Brad) Huff-Nakamura; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Jane Fleming of Worden: and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his wife, Fleta; his parents; a son, Billy Adrian Welch, Jr.; infant brother, Stanley; brother, Gayle “Red” Welch; sister-in law, Delores “Dee” Welch, brother-in-law, John "Mike" Fleming; and a son-in-law, Gerald "Jerry" Winskie, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 9 am until time of service at 10:30 am at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Pastor Andre’ Dobson will officiate. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Military honors will be conducted by Alton VFW Post #1308.
Memorials are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
