Joseph "Joe" Welch, long-time resident of Issue, MD died December 13, 2013 at his home.

Born on June 10, 1944 in St. Mary's County, he was the son of the late Loker Alexander Welch and Lillian Cecelia Welch.

Joe worked as a farmer and waterman. He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, the National Rifle Association, and the Waterman's Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, boat building, going to the casino, and playing cards with his niece and her husband, Carla and Ricky Bradshaw.

He is survived by his wife, Evangeline Welch of Issue; daughter, Wendy Welch of Waldorf; son Benjamin Welch and his wife, Noelle Welch of Charlotte Hall; son Charles Welch of Charlotte Hall; daughter, Jamie Welch of Florida; and daughter, Mae Miranda Welch of Issue. He is also survived by his sisters, Eleanor Mac Burney, Shirley Miller, Ruth Swann, Cathy Welch, and Charlotte Goldsmith; eight grandchildren, Heather and Katie Link, Kelsey, Brandon, Lauren, Kaitlyn, Jackie, and Charles Welch; and one great-grandchild, Stephanie Rose Link.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM with Prayers at 7PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel (5635 Washington Ave., La Plata, MD 20646). Mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 11AM at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Issue, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mae Welch Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.