Acey Leon Welch, 59, Chanute, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at his home.

He was born June 12, 1948, in Chanute, the son of Nathaniel Harrison Welch Jr. and Lena Alta Williams Welch. He was a 1966 graduate of Chanute High School.

Acey served in the National Guard from 1966 to 1972.

He had worked at Rolco, Mfg, until their closing, Screw Conveyor, until their closing, and was currently employed at Russell Steel.

He enjoyed music, bowling, weight-lifting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Acey is survived by two brothers, Richard Lee Welch and his wife Elizabeth, and Nathan Junior Welch and his wife Janice, all of Chanute; six sisters, Joanna Pearl Welch, Rosemary Valliere, Barbara Louise Fulton and her husband Bill, Jewell Kay Dennis and her husband Larry, Patricia Ann Glasgow, all of Chanute, and Lola Diane Stoll and her husband Calvin of Buffalo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Norma Jean Welch; and a brother, Stoney Allen Welch.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at the Grant Avenue Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

Memorials in his name may be made to Horizon Hospice and may be left with the funeral home.