John "Buddy" Wesley Welch, Jr.

John “Buddy” Wesley Welch, Jr., 61, of Oxford, Arkansas, passed away from this life on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Mountain Home, Arkansas. John was born December 24, 1961, in Ft. Hood, Texas to John Wesley Welch, Sr. and Beatrice Mae (Bussell) Welch. 

John married Laura Jane Crain on December 18, 1981, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and to this union four children were born. John worked as truck driver for many years and served his country in the United States Army. John loved truck driving and was a very hard worker. John adored his children, grandchildren, and his dog (Dozer). He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, and was of the Baptist faith.

John leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Laura Welch of the home in Oxford, Arkansas; two sons, Kenny Welch (Mary) of Salem, Arkansas and John Welch (Megan) of Salem, Arkansas; two daughters, Laurie Romine (Jesse) of Salem, Arkansas and Wanda Thrasher (Tyler Altman) of Raeford, North Carolina; sixteen grandchildren; one great granddaughter; two brothers, Lee “Sonny” Welch, Sr. of Oxford, Arkansas and John Wesley of Germany; sister, Kathy Welch of White Hall, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson (Connor Lee Thrasher), two sisters, and two brothers.  

Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 6, 2023, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be 12:00-1:00 P.M. Friday January 6, 2023, at Barker Funeral Home. The interment will be in the Wiseman Cemetery in Wiseman, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Kenny Welch, John Welch, Lee Welch, Jr., Logan Thrasher, Elijah Romine, and Coelton Romine. Honorary pallbearers will be Landon Moss, Brantley Welch, Jacob Welch, Preston Romine, Charlie Romine, Kole Romine, Brayden Romine, Lee "Sonny" Welch, Sr., Tyler Altman, Ralph Lane, and Roy Martin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Barker Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home, LLC in Salem, Arkansas.