Leonard Earl "Squirrel" Welch

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Clarice Evelyn Welch. His parents, Lenard Lee Welch and Lucy Pearl Welch, and sister Janice Baumbach.

He is survived by sons Mike Welch of Arizona, Mark Welch and wife Debo of Rusk, Texas, and daughter Debra Harlien and husband Dane of Crosby, Texas. He was Granddaddy to his grandchildren Brent Harlien and wife Tamara, Julie McClure and husband Joel of Crosby and Stacy McCown and husband Greg, Brad Welch and wife Brittany, of Rusk. Terri Howard and husband Adam, and Kelli Andrus of Arizona. Also 14 great-grandchildren. Audrey, Paisley and Brady Harlien, Cole and Morgan McClure, Jayden and McKenzie Welch, Tristen, Dyess, Emory and Ellee Jo Welch, and Gracie, Addison and Blake McCowan. He is also survived by brothers Kenneth Welch and wife Sarah of Bellville and Mickey Welch and wife Linda of Crosby, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leonard grew up in Highlands where he attended school and then transferred to Crosby High School. Graduating in 1948 and married his sweetheart shortly thereafter. Together they raised their children in a Christian home teaching them to love and respect one another. The love he felt for his family resonated in his life. He always wanted to do the right thing and led by example. He was currently a member of Crosby First Baptist where he enjoyed worshiping with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

While in high school he loved playing basketball, raising livestock and roping calves in local rodeos. Hunting and fishing were some of his favorite hobbies which continued on all throughout his life. He also liked woodworking and refinishing antiques. He was a collector of antique clocks. Then in 1974, he and Clarice moved to Rusk where they bought a building and hardware store and later went into the turf grass business before retiring. In 2018 they moved back to Crosby to be closer to family. In his later years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports and loving the moment they would walk through the front door to see him and give him a hug. Granddaddy will be missed. He was one of a kind.

The family would like to say a special thank you to his caregivers at Ominex Health Care for their dedication to him as a patient. To his caregiver Lois Welch, his friend Domingo Gonzalez that shared morning and afternoons over a cup of coffee and to Tommy Yackel who took the time to visit.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Welch family may be shared at www.earthmanbaytown.com