Thomas David Welch, father, grandfather, and great grandfather has gone to be with the Lord. Tom was born in Somerville Mass. on April 3rd 1940 to parents Thomas John and Harriet Sherry and passed on Friday February 3rd. Tom succeeded his wife Maureen Hickey who passed in November of 2010. Tom has two surviving siblings, Brother Robert Welch and Sister Cathy Hann. Tom is survived by his five children Susanne Miller, Stephen, Mark, Paul, and David. Tom has eight grandchildren Christina, Ian, and Melissa children of Susanne and David Miller, Michael son of Mark and Barbara Welch, Katie, Kyle, and Emily children of Stephen and Nancy Welch, and Tyler daughter of David and Lori Welch. Tom also has three great grandchildren Hailey and Liam Miller, and Aubrey Welch. Tom retired as a Master Sergeant from the US Air Force after serving his country for more than 40 years in the US Army, the US Air Force, and as a civil servant. Tom served in Germany, France, England, and Iran. Tom was a member of the VFW post 1717 serving as both an officer and a Chaplin and also American Legion post 211. Tom was a member of Bethany Lutheran church in Lompoc California. In his free time Tom loved to collect model Light Houses, was an amateur photographer, and an avid bird watcher.

We will all miss Tom he was loved by friends and family alike.

A memorial service will be held on Friday February 10th at 11am at Bethany Lutheran Church; Pastor Joe Byrd will be presiding Internment will follow the service at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.