Justin Franklin Welch of Sheridan, Arkansas was born June 28, 1957 at Denton, Texas the son of the late James Ray and Mary Francis Wright Welch. He was a member of Harmony Primitive Baptist Church at Donaldson. "Coach" Welch taught in Newark and Perryville before moving to Sheridan in 1986. He was currently the Senior High boys track and cross country coach, assistant Junior High football coach and was the Art teacher at Sheridan Junior High. In 1995 and 1996 he led the Senior High boys track team to back to back State Championships. He was also a member of the Arkansas Coaches Association. Most of all, "Coach" Welch was a loving husband and a very special "Daddy" to his girls.

Justin died Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Sheridan at the age of 48 as the result of an automobile accident. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include:

Wife: Belinda Gail Becker Welch
Daughters, Whitney Rae; Willow Eve and Wynn Nicole Welch all of Sheridan.
Brothers, James Ray Welch of Rogers;
Jeffrey Paul Welch of Helena, Montana;
John Steven Welch of Lake Hamilton;
Aunt and Uncle, Betty and Mike Fry of Clinton, Oklahoma;
Father and mother-in-law, Joe and Ruth Becker of Russellville;
Numerous nieces and nephews, students, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at First Baptist Church of Sheridan with Bro. Neal Phalan, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Sheridan. Visitation will be Thursday 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Justin Welch Benefit Fund, c/o Regions Bank, P.O. Box 429,Sheridan, Arkansas 72150 or to the Sheridan High School Track and Cross Country Team.

Pallbearers are Eddie Paul Woodall, Mike Moore, David Robinson, Ronnie Hawkins, David Hooks, Jim Ray Welch, Jeff Welch, John Welch and Kenneth Gilkey.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guest-book: www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.