Eugene C. Welch was born November 12, 1935 to Mabel and Raymond Welch and passed away on May 12, 2009 at his home in Arvin with his family by his side. Gene grew up in Arvin and attended local schools. He worked for Mazzie Farms until he became a partner with Walter Embry in G & W Manufacturing and Welding in Arvin for the past 37 years. He loved his jeeping trips with the guys. Gene belonged to the Arvin Exchange Club and served as president for 2 terms and he also belonged to the Arvin Chamber of Commerce and worked on all the projects for the Kern County Fair. Gene is survived by his wife of 27 years, Helen; son, David and wife Rowena; daughter, Cindy Carroll; grandsons, Nathan and wife Amye, Todd and wife Catarina, Justin and wife Martha, Michael and wife Patricia, Brad and Brock; granddaughters, Cheyenne (Miss Bink to Gene) and Toni Carroll and seven great-grandchildren. Gene is also survived by two brothers, Robert and wife Ada and R.C. Welch; sister, Peggy and husband Dole Parker. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Raymond Welch; first wife, Mary Belle Welch; sons, Bennie and Brad Carroll; and parents-in-law, Ethel and Leo Cottonoir. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Gene. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 18, at 11am in the Outdoor Chapel at South Kern Cemetery, Arvin. Fr. John Schmoll of St. Augustine's Church will officiate the service and interment will follow. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17, from 2pm to 8pm at Arvin Funeral Home.