Martin Lyle Welch's Obituary
Martin Lyle Welch of Bentonville, Arkansas was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior on October 16, 2024 in Joplin, Missouri. Martin was born May 5, 1975 in Springfield, Missouri to Harold and Sharla Byrd Welch.
As a young child, Martin’s family moved to Rogers, Arkansas where he grew up. He started working at age 12 throwing newspapers, later working at a grocery store, and began his career as a truck driver after graduating from Rogers High School. Driving for Walmart was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
Martin was an avid motorcyclist. He loved going to car shows with his Uncle Jan, and at one point was the proud owner of a 1993 teal Ford Mustang Cobra - his favorite car. He enjoyed attending numerous concerts with his cousin Mark. But more than anything, his favorite pastime was delighting in God’s creation while camping with his beloved wife, Elaine.
At the young age of 12, Martin accepted Christ as his Savior alone in his bedroom and told his mother about it the next day. He had a servant’s heart, contributing to the church in many ways including driving for events, serving in the food pantry, and maintaining grounds.
Through his devotion to the church, he was blessed to have met the love of his life, Elaine. They were married on June 16, 2007. Martin was a member of Monte Ne Baptist Church. He was a prayerful person and we may never realize the great impact of his prayers.
He was a man of great integrity and a true hero. He was a clear lover of Jesus. He had a clever sense of humor and was fun to be around. He had a very tender heart and was a devoted friend. He was happy, helpful, wise, charming, loving, compassionate, sweet, gentle, and good-looking. He was a pillar of strength and fortitude for his family and friends. He always stood up for what is right and what he believed in. ALL these describe our Martin.
Preceding Martin in death are his grandparents; numerous aunts and uncles; and infant niece, Makenna Martin. Leaving to mourn his passing is his soulmate and best friend, Elaine Welch; parents, Harold and Sharla Welch; sister, Monica (Kris) Mays; sister, Myra Martin; brother-in-law, Brian Martin; nieces and nephews, Nathan (Mattie) Toney and family, Caleb (Jessica) Toney, Jake Martin, Grant Martin, and Avery Martin; his step-daughters, Jennifer (Guy) White, Maryanne (DJ) Babb, and Laurissa Hunter; his bonus grandchildren, Katelynd (Alex), Elijah, Corwin, Amelia, Ellaina, Naomi, and Elyse; his aunts, uncles and many cousins. He will also be greatly missed by his church family and innumerable friends and colleagues.
A celebration of Martin’s life will be on Saturday, October 26, at 3 o'clock at Monte Ne Baptist Church at 1610 Monte Ne Road, Rogers, Arkansas 72756. Following the service, the family invites you to the fellowship hall for refreshments and fellowship. The family would appreciate meeting Martin's friends and work family. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project, or Monte Ne Baptist Church.
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