John Wayne "Jake" Welch, 72, Pembroke, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, in Pembroke, KY.

John Wayne Welch, known to many as "Jake" the son of Louella Welch-Williams and Eddie Lee Welch, was born on December 18, 1953, in Pembroke, Kentucky. He married Rosa Marie Dowlen-Welch on November 25, 1972, and they were married for 53 years.

He professed his hope in Christ at a late age and joined Saint Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He was a marine with the United States Marine Corps. He also worked at Grupo Antolin for 10 years.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his mother, Louella Welch-Williams; his father Eddie Lee Welch; three sisters; five brothers and his one and only beloved son, Dante DeWayne Welch.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Melissa (James) Mosley and Cowanna Marie Welch; sisters Ferlescia Morris and Bertha Smith;  brothers, James Welch, Keith Welch, and Terry Welch; grandchildren, Oceaonna Welch, Donyea Welch, Marquavis (Brittany) Welch, Dontret Quarles, Dantaveyah Quarles, Deion Welch, and Dontavion Welch; eight great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.