Paul Welch, Jr.

Paul Henry Welch, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at his home in Flowood, MS.  A memorial service will be held on April 22nd at 11:00 am at Flowood Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers we are asking that donations be made in his name to Flowood Baptist Church.

Paul was born June 5, 1956, in Picher Oklahoma to Paul Henry Welch, Sr. and Evelyn Gilbert Welch. He graduated High School in 1977 in Germany where his dad was serving with the U.S. Air Force.  He enlisted and served 4 years in the Army with most of his service being overseas in Germany and Europe.  After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Paul attended and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management from Oklahoma State University.  Where he met and married his wife of 38 years, Crystal King Welch.  After several years he returned to Oklahoma State University and earned his Masters in Business.

He worked a few other jobs before finding his career with Armstrong World Industries in Stillwater in 1988 where he quickly moved up the ladder.  In 2000 the family moved to Mississippi so that Paul could work at the Armstrong Plant in Jackson.  He retired as plant manager from Armstrong in 2011.

After retiring from Armstrong Paul joined the Crown Trophy business that the family had opened in 2002 in Flowood on a full-time basis.  Paul loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, daughter and other family and friends. In the last several years he also enjoyed attending services at Flowood Baptist Church.

He leaves behind his wife, Crystal King Welch; son, Jeremiah Welch and wife Julia of Mississippi; daughter, Caitlin Zuvic and husband Jake; and grandson, Soren Henry Zuvic of Baton Rouge.  He is also survived by a brother, Mike Welch and Wife Melissa of Oklahoma; sisters, Cindy Welch of Texas, Penny Nichols and husband Alex of Texas, Diane Wickham and husband Gary of Colorado, Tammy Parr and husband Curtis of Oklahoma and Bethany Crosby of Oklahoma; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Henry Welch, Sr. and Evelyn Sue Welch; sister, Mary Marshall; and a brother, Shawn Welch.