December 22, 1948-January 23, 2021

Ken Welch, retired career nurse and longtime resident of the Red Bank community, passed away on January 23rd at the age of 72 in his hometown of Chattanooga, TN.

Ken is survived by his three children: son Zachariah Colin Welch and wife Darcy Nowlin Welch, son Christopher Nigel Welch and daughter Gabrielle Nicole Welch Cooper and her husband Phillip Ryan Cooper; his grandchildren Cheyenne Makayah Cummings, Emerald Taylor Rogers Welch, Griffin Tyler Welch, Bella Olivia Welch, Lucas Leander Welch, and Atticus Francis Nigel Welch; his brothers Michael Dean Welch, David Alan Welch and Steven Dunlap Welch. He is predeceased by his father, Harold Dean Welch and mother, Laura Olivia Oakey Welch.

A graduate of Erlanger School of Nursing and a Navy Nurse Corps Veteran, Ken dedicated his life to the service of helping others during their most difficult times of need. Ken was also an active community volunteer, serving on the Red Bank City County Commission and volunteering throughout the community, focusing his efforts on environmental issues, social services and neighborhood improvement. He was a kind, loving man who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Out of respect for personal and public safety a public Celebration of Life service will be announced when Covid-19 restrictions become relaxed.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen in honor of Kens support of the organization: https://www.homelesschattanooga.org/donate