David Aiviska Dave Welch, Jr. was the eldest of 5 siblings born to the late David A. Welch, Sr. and Pearlie Welch on September 1, 1952 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He later moved to Lansing, Michigan. David accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church by Rev. E. Gladstone Scott. David attended Lansing Public Schools graduating with great pride from Lansing Everett High School in 1970 at 17 years of age. Following graduation, David joined the United States Navy as a Corpsman, training in San Diego, California, Jacksonville, Florida and Virginia along the way. Upon completing his service in the US Navy, Mr. Welch returned to Lansing where he attended Lansing Community College becoming a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). David received an award for creating the vehicle graphics used by the Eaton County Sheriffs Department while working for McLean Screen Print Division of Spartan International. Inspired by his success, David later started his own business, Global Graphics Inc. David met Ruth Ann Matthews and married in 1989. This union was blessed with one daughter, Danielle A. Welch. The bass of Davids voice had the ability to stop a room and demand everyones attention. His way with words got things done! Whether it was telling anyone who would listen about his daughter, Danielle, now a Registered Nurse, and her accomplishments while at Michigan State University and Salisbury University of Maryland or talking about his love for jazz music, great food, the latest book he read, the latest movies, or shopping. If he was not cheering among the crowd at Comerica Park, Wrigley Field, or for his Mets you may have been able to catch him on the serene Michigan or Canadian waters fishing for the catch of the day. David made sure he was Sammie Davis Jr. sharp dressing from head to toe to the nines. Dave, as his mother called him, enjoyed shopping with her for tailored suits and Tommy Bahamas clothing at their favorite department stores. Although he fondly called his own father Old Man, when he was called Old Man, without missing a beat he would quickly put his hand out and tell you If you see an Old Man give him a hundred dollars. In the kitchen or on the grill, his sister, Ruby, could do no wrong. Dave loved Rubys home cooked meals, banana pudding, and enjoyed her company around town to various restaurants. David was preceded in death by his father, David A. Welch, Sr. Very proud father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, friend, and avid fisherman, David A. Welch Jr., entered into Heavens Gate August 29, 2013. He will be profoundly missed by his daughter, Danielle Welch (mother, Ruth Blair) of Salisbury, MD; loving mother, Pearl Welch of Lansing; three step-sons, Amir Matthews and Tony Stegall, both of Lansing, and Corey Stegall of Orlando, FL; two sisters, Eartha W. Redwine and Ruby W. Bogan (Greg) of Lansing; two brothers, Lloyd N. Welch (Shana) and Napoleon Welch, both of Lansing; three nieces, Kamari Welch and Gretchen Bogan, both of Lansing, and Jenell Bogan of Cleveland, OH; nephew, Leonard Welch of Midland, MI and a host of other relatives and friends. Until we meet again, Be easy! Services for Mr. Welch will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2013, 11am, at Friendship Baptist Church, 2912 Pleasant Grove Rd, Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service.