David "Dave" Ray Welch

David (Dave) Ray Welch, 74, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2023 at Hearthstone Health Campus of natural causes, surrounded by his family. He was born in Rochester, New York on December 13, 1948 to parents, Margaret Jean Bordner Welch and Ronald Curtis Welch. His Mother and Father moved to Iowa then Oneonta, New York where his beloved sister, Rhonda, was born in June 1954, before moving to Bloomington when Dave was 5 ½. Dave graduated from University High School in Bloomington, Indiana in 1967. He received his BA in 1971 and later, his Master’s in Education from Indiana University. He was a beloved Teacher within the MCCSC school system and taught at Bloomington High School South for 26 years, retiring in 2010; his classes being in Social Studies including Sociology, History, Word Geography, Anthropology, Government, and Psychology. In April 1990, Dave celebrated the birth of his first child, Audrey. Audrey cherished her Dad and learned his appreciation for music and a positive mindset, his love of cars, and DIY projects. His second child, Quentin, was joyfully welcomed in April 1992. Quentin considers his Dad as his best friend, hero, and model; he taught him to think outside the box and to approach every situation with patience and compassion, and to appreciate the little things. At Bloomington South, Dave was a beloved teacher who had a unique affinity for his students and is fondly remembered by them and the staff he worked so closely with. He began his career at Bloomington South in 1984 where he met his future wife, the love of his life, and best friend, Sharon Welch (Goh). They were happily married in 1998 and would have celebrated their 25th anniversary on March 19, 2023. Their families happily blended with Dave’s Children, Audrey and Quentin; and Sharon’s Children, Melissa, and Andy. Dave relished and shone in his role as the Father and Step-Father of these incredibly wonderful individuals. One of Dave’s greatest joys in life was becoming a Grandfather and cherished every moment with his two grandsons. Dave got his first set at drums at 15 years old and began playing in local Bands in Bloomington. His first band being The Cavaliers that progressed into The Grey who, to the joy of his mother, practiced in the basement of their family home. The Grey were popular during the late 1960s and early 1970s while Dave attended Indiana University. He was an accomplished trumpet player as well and was able to play the trumpet in one hand while keeping beat on his drum set, no easy feat! After college, he went on the road and played music full time, playing many genres in many states including Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Florida, and Indiana. Dave quit the full-time road work when he was thirty but stayed playing in bands part time up until recently when his health kept him side-lined. His vocal ability was always much needed and added so much to the music he played his whole life. When he wasn’t able to play the drum set, he played congas and sang with the last band he was in, The Justin Case Band, who continues to perform. This band was the longest time he was with the same group of people: his siter Rhonda, Don Campbell, and Jerry Minger. The Justin Case Band started in 1988 and David was not only the drummer, percussionist, and vocalist, but a guiding force in many of the musical decisions. Dave was very special and a truly loved man with and easy-go vibe who appreciated and loved to enjoy life in the moment. He had a smile for everyone and was funny and charming and always with an ornery twinkle in his eye. Friends have described him as sweet, always smiling, fun to be around, gentle, a loving and happy presence who was talented, intelligent and a great friend. Dave will be truly missed by his family, band mates, friends, coworkers, and students. He has left a positive, lasting impression on those who have met him. Dave is survived by his wife, Sharon Welch (Goh); Daughter, Audrey Jean Wray (Travis) of Bloomfield, IN; Son, Quentin J David Welch of Bloomington, IN; Step-Daughter, Melisa Goh (Robb Hill) of Silver Spring, MD; Step-Son, Andrew Goh of Charlotte, NC; Sister, Rhonda Welch of Bloomington, IN; Grandchildren, Matthew Wray and Ian Wray, sister-in-law’s, Shasta Rodenhauser (Eric) of Cincinnati, OH: Judy Kabitsch (Dick) of Naples, FL; brother-in-law, Brady Ratliff (Glenda) of Naples, FL; and the mother of his children, Cynthia McCorkle. Per Dave’s wishes, arrangements are being handled by Allen Funeral Home of Bloomington, IN. Cremation rights will be performed, A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the American Legion, Burton Woolery Post 18, 1800 W. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN. Saturday, August 12, 2023 Dave loved informal parties with family and friends. His request for this day was that we enjoy the kinds of music he listened to and played, and that we share our memories of the good times with each other. A message from the family will begin at 2:30. Others who wish to share a memory, story or tribute are welcome to do so as well. Memorial contributions can be made to the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools, to support the Bloomington High School South Music Program. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

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David "Dave" Ray Welch

December 13, 1948 - February 24, 2023