Matthew Blake Welch

Matthew Blake Welch, born Nov. 13, 1981, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, July 21, 2017. He proudly served our country in the US Air Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom. An avid outdoorsman – fond of camping, hiking and fishing – Matthew had a gentle spirit with a special affinity for animals and babies. He was a loving husband and father and we will miss his sweet soul dearly. Matthew was preceded in death by his grandfather, Glen Welch of Arkadelphia and uncle, Jack Welch of Uncertain, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Leslie, daughter Haley Marie, and son, Caleb Glen of Cabot; his grandmother, Nellene Welch of North Little Rock, parents, Steve and Deborah Welch of North Little Rock; sister Kelly Slade (David), nephew Jack Slade and niece Jane Slade all of Little Rock; brother Michael Welch (Erin) of North Little Rock and a host of extended family and friends.A memorial service to celebrate Matthew's life will be held at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. at 6 p.m., Wednesday July 26. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.