1922 – 2004

PORTLAND – Lawrence E. Welch, 81, of 7 Lancaster St., Dixfield, died unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 13, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born July 14, 1922, in Wilton, a son of Robert and Elsie Hill Welch. He graduated from Wilton Academy and the University of Mississippi.

On Sept. 8, 1978, he married Lorraine Penley.

He served in the United States Army in World War II in the European Theatre of Operations in France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

He worked at International Paper in Jay as a First Class Engineer in the Power Plant for 33 years. He also founded the East Dixfield Fire Department with the help of a few others.

He loved to hunt, fish, camp and travel. He loved antiques and antique cars and still has his ’52 Hudson.

He was a generous man who loved woodworking, making toyboxes, ornaments and other goodies for his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years; four daughters, Teena Degrandpre and her husband Alain of Quebec, Canada, Nancy Farrington, Kim Smith and her husband Daniel of Topsham, and Candy Welch and her companion Bryce Hanington of Dixfield; two sons, David Welch and his wife Pamela of Rumford, and Chris Welch and his wife Alicia of Dixfield; 10 grandchildren, Tanner, Ryan, and Nicholas Smith, Taylor and Cam Welch, Brady Welch, Nicole and Carly Welch, Matthew Farrington, and Roberta Fairservice; and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Mildred, in 1977.

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