Bill Claude Welch

Bill Welch passed quietly in his residence on April 24, 2010. He was 90 years old. Born in Dallas September 19, 1919 to Walter C. Welch and LaVena Bumpas Welch. Bill graduated from high school in Cross Plains Texas and attended Tarlton Junior College and Southwest Texas State College. Bill met his sweetheart at Southwest Texas and married Irene Anton Welch on January 2, 1943. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, their son Ronald Jay Welch and wife, Leslie Ann Welch of League City, Texas and two grandchildren, Kelley Ann Welch of New York and Stephen Jay Welch of Chicago.

Bill pursued a number of occupations and entrepreneurial activities from a young age including oil field work, railroad station agent, movie theater owner, movie booking agent, theater projectionist, hardware store owner, and land owner. He and his “doll” Irene enjoyed a life full of travel and adventures visiting all over the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Bill enjoyed staying active and trying new things. He loved boating, fishing, reading, and was an avid bridge player. Bill was a risk taker who knew how to enjoy life. Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank the caregivers from September Services, St. Michaels Hospice, and UT Southwestern Geriatric Program. Services will be held to honor Bill at 12pm on April 26, 2010 at Sparkman Hillcrest. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Southwestern Medical Foundation, 2305 Cedar Springs Road, Suite 150 Dallas, Texas 75201 for Alzheimer research.