Napoleon "Nate" Welch was born September 20, 1955, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to David A. Welch and Pearl Welch. Nate initially moved to Lansing, Michigan with his parents and siblings in 1963. Nate attended Lansing Public Schools graduating from J.W. Sexton High School in 1974. He played football through high school, where he also enjoyed drafting, art, as well as track and field. Following graduation, Nate attended Lansing Community College and studied Art and Graphic Design. He later worked with the State of Michigan Highway Division. Nate left this job to work with General Motors where he was known as "Mr. GM" and was employed until his transition. Nate was blessed with one son, Leonard Aaron Welch. Dedicated to raising his son, they both were enrolled in Taekwondo where Nate showed his son his endurance and devotion by earning his black belt. Nate instilled a passion for God, competition, and hard work that transferred to both academics and football, and eventually resulting in a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree and his career. Above all this Nate served as a role model for a man deeply in love with Jesus Christ. He was baptized at an early age. Later in his life he planted his feet as a member of New Hope Church of God in Christ, through the invitation and example of his lifelong friend, Lewis Hoskins. Nate was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost while being a member here. He visited the sick and had a heart for anyone in need. He was secret in his generosity to others. He served on the Usher Board, as a Board Member, Sunday School, and his most rewarding service was teaching YPWW. Here he became a walking dictionary, asking endless probing questions and always pushing for deeper meaning. Nate was faithful and timely until he could no longer serve and attend. Although these are just highlights of his journey, you really had to be there to enjoy him with his warm giant smile and his love of movies, Andy Griffin, Perry Mason, Star Trek, painting, his humor, generosity, sports and eating. Nate was a creature of community, eating with family and friends while being his usual light hearted self. He was a die heart Chicago Bears fan and could always be seen parading around town with his cap in tow. Above all these things, nothing could ever match Batman. In the immortal words of the Caped Crusader, "to the bat cave, Robin". We can now translate that Napoleon Welch aka Batman is saying, "into the arms of Jesus Christ." Napoleon was preceded in death by: his father, David A. Welch, Sr. and brother, David A. Welch, Jr. Napoleon "Nate" Welch, at the age of 60, transitioned peacefully from this temporary life to "Life Everlasting" on the evening of October 26, 2015, at his home surrounded by family. He will be profoundly missed by his loving mother, Pearl Welch of Lansing, Michigan; son, Leonard A. Welch of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters, Eartha W. Redwine and Ruby W. Bogan (Greg); one brother, Lloyd N. Welch (Shana), all of Lansing, Michigan; four nieces, Kamari Welch of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Jenell Bogan of Cleveland, Ohio, Danielle A. Welch of Salisbury, Maryland and Gretchen Bogan of Lansing, Michigan; two aunts, Inez Callahan of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Linda Ray of Birmingham, Alabama; special friends, Deborah Oliver and Anala and Abby Oliver, all of Lansing, Michigan; and a host of cousins and other friends. There will be a visitation held at Riley Funeral Home for Napoleon Welch; Sunday, November 1,2015 from 1-6pm. Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 2,2015 at 11am at New Hope Church.