Gary Welch, 88, of Daytona Beach, Florida passed away Friday, October 3, 2025.  He was born in the small town of Pinch, West Virginia on August 8, 1937.  He had some travels as a child and found himself in Samsula, Florida, where he met many life-long friends.
As a young man, he longed to see the world and serve his country, so he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  His 20 years in the service were marked by adventures in Japan, Colorado, Turkey, and England.  He served valiantly during the war in Vietnam as a communications officer, flying in the legendary Cessna 0-1 "Bird Dog" reconnaissance missions.
Gary retired in 1977 and flew home from England with his family on the day Elvis Presley died.  He soon followed his dream of becoming a country music radio disc jockey in Daytona Beach.  Gary also enjoyed his ham radio hobby for many years and was deeply fond of his home in Bunnell, Florida, with its lovely pond.  He loved to fish, ride his motorcycle, to meet new people, and to watch the Miami Dolphins play football.

Gary is reunited now and forever with his beloved mother, Eliose.  He is survived by numerous family and friends and will be missed by those that knew him.

There will be a funeral service on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 1pm at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona Beach located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114.  Immediately following will be graveside service at Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery, Edgewater, Florida.