Robert Allan Welch

Robert "Bob" Allan Welch, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, entered into the presence of his Savior on September 24, 2025, in Hastings, Michigan. He was born on October 17, 1945, in Rome, Georgia.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dr W. Wilbert and Meryl Welch; his brothers, Dave and Wendyl "Curt" Welch; and his sister, Donna Jean Welch. He is survived by his brother, Dale (wife, Marcia); his beloved wife, Nancy Buehler Welch; his children, Aaron (Jenifer) Welch and Kirstin (Kevin) VanderMolen; his grandchildren, Emily (Keagan) Weaver, Weston Welch, Treyson (Brooklyn) Welch, Molly Welch, Kate VanderMolen, and Lucy VanderMolen; and his great-granddaughter, Julia (VanderMolen) Reyes. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Cornerstone University and pursued graduate studies at Western Michigan University. More than his education or career, however, Bob's life was defined by his unwavering love for Jesus Christ and his passion of leading others into worship. For over 40 years, he faithfully led worship, serving congregations in Michigan and Virginia. He ministered at Hastings Baptist Church in Hastings, Calvary Baptist in Ypsilanti, and Riverdale Baptist in Flint before moving in 1983 to Burke, Virginia. There, he began a 30-year ministry at Immanuel Bible Church, where he directed the choir and orchestra and joyfully led the congregation in worship.

He was known for his deep love of music, his commitment to the truth of Scripture, and his genuine desire to see others become who God created them to be. Bob's legacy is one of faithfulness to his Lord, to his wife, and to his family. His life embodied one of his favorite verses, Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Those who knew Bob can testify that rejoicing in the Lord was not just something he said but something he lived.

A service celebrating Bob's life will be held at Hastings Baptist Church, Hastings Michigan, on November 1, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. A dessert fellowship will follow. The church is located at 309 E. Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI.

In honor of Bob's passion for worship and music, a scholarship fund is being established. More details will be provided for those who wish to contribute in his memory.

One of Bob's favorite hymns captures the heart of his life and ministry:

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
so loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
and opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
and give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

To God be the glory for the gift of Bob Welch's life and for the eternal hope we have in Christ. Well done, good and faithful servant.