Karl Thomas Welch

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Karl Thomas Welch, of Globe, Arizona, passed away on Dec. 15, 2021, at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, in the presence of his loving wife and father. Karl was born on June 24, 1979 in Terre Haute, Indiana. While attending Herrin High School, Karl mowed lawns, worked at H&R Block and worked as kitchen staff for a nearby nursing home.

Throughout his youth and early adulthood, Karl was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years. At the age of 17, Karl earned his Eagle Scout rank. He also served as the Lifeguard and Waterfront Assistant Director for Pine Ridge Scout Camp, and as the Waterfront Director at Camp Lewellan Scout Camp for two years.

After graduating from high school in 1998, he went on to earn his EMT, CNA and LPN at John A. Logan College. Karl then worked for Advantage Nursing and with the Department of Rehabilitation Services, providing nursing services for families and clients in need. Karl cherished the relationships he developed with patients and coworkers, and at the time of his passing he had returned to school to complete his RN.

Karl married the love of his life, Kara, on Jan. 14, 2016. Together they started raising two wonderful children, Michael and Kaitlynn. On Oct. 10, 2018, they were sealed for time and all eternity. In November of 2018 and 2020, their little family grew with the births of Chase and Madison. To Karl, his wife and children gave him more joy than they will perhaps ever know. He considered his family his greatest accomplishment and the center of his world. Karl had the special gift of helping others find the courage to keep trying, and brightened the room with his sense of humor. He was consistently himself regardless of the circumstances. He was always honest—he never sugar-coated the truth— and was a wonderful listener who could put anyone at ease. He deeply enjoyed spending time with those he loved. Whether relaxing with family or gaming with friends, Karl had a presence that will be missed by so many and a love that is impossible to put into words.

Karl is survived by his father, Charles W. Welch; his wife, Kara Hillman-Welch; his children, Michael Webb, Kaitlynn Hillman, Charles G. Welch and Madison Welch; his siblings, Michael (Tina) Welch, Aaron (Amanda) Welch, Kari (Lance) Goodbar and Alta (SSGT Michael) Akers; his in-laws, Gregory (Rebecca) Hillman, Brent (Shannon) Hillman, Kyle Hillman and Genny (John) Stockton; his nieces and nephews, Alexandra Welch, Cameron (Sarah) Welch, Adrien Welch, Abigail Welch, Austin Welch, Kara Goodbar, Lillian Goodbar, Alta Goodbar, Leonard Goodbar, Matthew Akers, Rosemarie Akers, Mikenna Hillman, Zachary Hillman, Hunter Hillman, Ammon Hillman, Ezra Hillman, Kaela Hillman, Mark Hillman, Brooke Hillman and Adam Stockton ; his family by love, Robert (Angela) Foster and Jeffery (Amanda) Bloodworth; and many more friends and relatives.

Karl was preceded in death by his mother, Karen J. Welch, and his grandparents Luther Welch, Thomas Hamill and Lois Nix. A memorial in his honor will be held on Friday, January 14 at 7 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints stake center chapel, located at 1701 Ensign Dr. in Globe. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help cover the costs of funeral expenses.