Welcher, Joseph Patrick

Joseph Patrick Welcher, 64, formerly of Montgomery County, Va., left his earthly broken body to be received into Heaven on Thursday, August 15, 2013. Joe was born on June 1, 1949, to the late James Paul and Mable Harris Welcher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Dickerson Welcher; and her parents, Forest and Tina Dickerson; two brothers, Nash Randolph and Thomas Dale Welcher; sister and caregiver for 23 years, Marion Jeanette Rorrer; sister-in-law, Martha Welcher; and many aunts and uncles he loved dearly.

He is survived by his brother, David G. Welcher, of Elliston, Va.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Brenda and Claude Dickerson, of Mineral, Va., and Debbie and Glenn Kanode, of Salem. He is also survived by his caregiver and niece, Connie (LeRoy) Dejarnette; a very special nephew, Corky Perdue, who always knew how to make him laugh; his great-nephews, Jason Perdue and Devon Dejarnette, who shared their home and life with Joe; and by many other nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved dearly. He is also survived by his only remaining uncle and aunt, Max and Chris Harris. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2013, from the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. Interment will follow at Congregational Holiness Church Cemetery in Shawsville. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, August 17, 2013, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the DAV, 210 Franklin Road, SW, Roanoke, VA 24011. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 540-389-5441. www.johnmoakey.com