Jon Thomas Welch, age 62, of Middleville, Michigan, fell asleep in death on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Burns Harbor, Indiana. He was born on August 4, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, to Lee James and Joyce Yvonne (Thomas) Welch.

He married Winnie Rene’ (Walker) Welch on October 20, 2001, and together they raised their daughter, Lacey.

Jon grew up in Effingham, Illinois, and graduated from high school in 1982. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry. He attended Oregon Bible College from January of 1982 - May 1985. He was a pastor for 41 years. During his time in service to God, he was an devoted member and active leader in the Church of God, General Conference youth camps on state and national levels. He served on the General Conference board of directors, Pastors Pastor, Ministerial Association Board and missions board for Lord’s Harvest International. Through missions he traveled to Africa and among others, spoke via Zoom to the Unitarian Mission Pakistan. Jon also served as a member, an elder and board chairman at Garden Park Church of God in Kentwood, Michigan.

Jon loved God and people and demonstrated that daily. He always greeted you asking how you were doing with a smile, a joke or a story. He genuinely cared how you were doing and was a good listener, always lifting you up in prayer and love.

He was also an over-the-road truck driver for 16 years. Although it was hard work and he missed his family, he found blessings in the beautiful sunrises and God’s creation. Jon would stop to meet up with friends and family who could join him at a local truck stop for a quick visit over lunch when he could.

Jon was the happiest when spending time with his family, they were a joy to him. His hobbies were photography, fishing, collecting rocks and hot wheels. Favorite sports teams were the St. Louis Cardinals in MLB and the NFL Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed singing and listening to music.

Jon is survived by his wife Rene’, daughter Lacey R. Dunn (William F. Dunn III), grandchildren Will, Abigail and Madelyn Dunn of Wayland, Michigan. Siblings, Vonnie Darnall of Hidalgo, Illinois. Kelly (Christie) Welch of Farina, Illinois. Luci Beth (Art) Brooks of Shumway, Illinois. David Thomas of Phoenix, AZ.

Uncles, Harvey (Muriel) Thomas, Aunts, Kim (Leland) Knierim, and Mary (Dennis) Cheatwood and Pat McGuire. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins and many friends.

Preceded in death are his parents, grandparents Roy and Nina (Smallen) Thomas, Uncle Don Thomas, Aunt Sarah Thomas.

A Celebration of Life will be held where Jon was a member at Garden Park Church of God, 5631 Madison Ave. SE, Kentwood, Michigan 49548 on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11a.m. (Private gathering of family only at 10a.m.)

The service will be live streamed on the Garden Park Church of God YouTube page. 

Lunch will be provided following the service.

Wearing purple is welcome for Jon’s support for the Vikings.

In lieu of flowers, it is Jon’s request for memorials to be made to Lord’s Harvest International, 2020 Avalon Pkwy Suite 400, McDonough, GA 3025.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” 
-Renee Wood

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jon's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.