Thornal F. Welch
1918 – 2009
FARMINGTON — Thornal F. Welch, 91, a resident of Lake Road, Wilton, passed away Aug. 17, at Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center, where he had been cared for during the last three months.
He was born March 5, 1918, in North Jay, the son of Isaac Madison Welch Sr. and Lizzie (Townsend) Welch. He was educated in Jay and Wilton schools and had been a resident of Wilton for 82 years. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion.
He married Pearl Beane Nichols of Lexington on Nov. 27, 1939, and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage until her death in 1999.
Prior to serving in the Army, he was employed at Wilton Woolen Co. and later worked as an auto mechanic at Newman’s Garage in Farmington, Main Street Garage in Wilton and Savage’s Garage in Dixfield. He then worked at G.H. Bass as a machinist for 20 years until his retirement in 1983.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and gardening and was known for his outstanding dahlia gardens. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the memories of his unconditional love, support and teachings will always be cherished. He will be lovingly remembered for his determination to keep going in the face of difficult odds and his family was fortunate to have him with them as long as they did.
He is survived by his daughter, Jean Welch of Wilton; his stepdaughter, Neila Nichols Noyes and her husband, Philip, of Hebron; his grandchildren, Beth Welch and Katherine Roberts of Port Richey, Fla., John Welch and his companion, Donna Farrington, of Wilton, Anne Gray and her husband, Virgil, of North Grafton, Mass., Mark Sterry and his fiancée, Katherine Moreau, of Wilton and Tammy Field and her husband, Steve, of Hebron; his great-grandchildren, Danielle and Gina Welch of Wilton, Tucker and Carter Gray of North Grafton, Mass., Joshua Field of Hebron and Ashley Field of Lewiston; his great-great-granddaughter, Logan Field of Lewiston; his sister-in-law, Chrystal Welch of Wilton; and several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Merritt Welch of East Corinth.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Isaac, Ray, Phillip and Alton; and his sisters, Jeniece Welch and Hazel Gillespie.
The family extends its gratitude to the staff of Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center and Dr. James Smith for their compassionate care.

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