A Christian burial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 17, at the Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown for Lawrence D. Welsh, 80, of New Springfield, Ohio who passed away on August 12, 2016 of a sudden heart attack. Lawrence was born, November 11, 1935, on the town square of New Springfield to Wayne and Edith Miller Welsh.  He was a 1953 graduate of Springfield Township High School.  Larry attended The Ohio State University where received a bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Agriculture and Economics in 1958. At Ohio State he was a member of the Stadium Tower Club living inside the football stadium. He remained a proud and dedicate Buckeye. On June 9, 1956 Larry married his high school sweetheart the former Jean R. DeRhodes at Grace Lutheran Church in East Palestine, Ohio. With whom he built a life with, worked with, raised a family with and enjoyed 50 love-filled years as her beau. In 1958, Larry invested in Welsh Motors, a business owned by his grandfather and father. He worked tirelessly to care for customers and support the community. He was a leader and mentor to his employees. He was committed to developing their careers and assuring a future for their families. As a result of his integrity and hard work he and his team built an award winning Ford dealership based on serving their customers' needs. Larry was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown. He served for six years on the church council and was a past president of the congregation. His church life included Bible study, worship, and altar guild. He loved his community. He regularly involved himself in Luther's Table, local blood drives, bi-annual clothing drives, and STCCC. Throughout his life he served his community wherever he saw the need. He was an avid supporter of Springfield Local Schools. He was a member of the East Palestine F & AM 417, Al Koran Shrine Temple of Cleveland and Youngstown Shrine Club. Larry is survived by his three daughters; Kimberly Welsh Koch, Cathy (Bruce) Olson and Brenda (Jim) Folkenroth. Seven grandchildren; Tom (Tamara) Koch, Larry (Kristin) Haag, Jill (Chris) Haase, Hannah and Audrey Olson, Emma and Kate Folkenroth. Four great-grandchildren; Taylor and Thomas Koch and Madelyn and Zachary Haag. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia (Rhio) Cleigh. Larry is now united with his wife, Jean R. Welsh, who preceded him in death in 2006. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Edith Welsh, and his son-in-law, Thomas R. Koch. The family wishes to extend an invitation to visitation and services: Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 16th from 5 – 8 pm, at Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown and from 10 – 11 am preceding his Christian Burial Service on Wednesday, August 17th at the church. Interment will follow at Petersburg Cemetery.