Larry Tillmon Welch was born on October 21, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Tillmon Welch and Ellen Jones.

Larry attended East St. Louis District #189 and graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. He later served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sargeant and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Larry was the first black Park Ranger in the state of Illinois. He enjoyed grooming and training horses.

Larry departed this life on August 28, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Charles Nolan Welch, Laurie T. Welch, and Lance T. Garner; his grandchildren, Tillman M. Salaam, Amir F. Salaam, Shemar O. Welch, Tyree Garner, Elyon L. Hunt, Ca'Tylah Garner, Tyyun Garner (Yunni), Tyden Garner, Ca'Tyrah Garner, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.