RUMFORD – John Arthur Welch Sr., 70, of Mexico, died Thursday, Dec. 25, upon arrival at the emergency room of Rumford Hospital.

He was born Jan. 16, 1938, in Mexico, a son of Carl T. and Marguerite E. (Pretty) Welch. He was a graduate of Mexico High School and proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

On Aug. 15, 1959, he married Elizabeth “Sally” Durant of Dixfield at the Mexico Baptist Church.

For 40 years, he was employed at Boise Cascade, where he worked in the wood room and the stock prep. He also owned his own heavy equipment business and junkyard. In the 1960s and early 1970s, he was a stock car racing fan and raced at Oxford Plains Speedway. He enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, fishing and camping at Dummer’s Beach in Weld.

He is survived by his wife, Sally, of Mexico; one son, John A. Welch Jr. and his wife, Susan “Sue,” of Mexico and grandchildren, Eric, Rhonda, John M., and Matthew; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, William Welch and his wife, Cynthia, of Mexico; one sister, Jane Woods and her husband, Steven, of Florida; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Bandit.

He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Richard, David and Carlene.