Thomas F. Welker

Thomas Fowler Welker, 86, of Sugar Land, Texas, passed peacefully in his sleep on September 4, 2024. Tom was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 15, 1938 to Harold E. Welker and Laura Durning Welker. He was married to Judith Brown Welker for 64 years before she passed in September 2022. His passing was 2 days before their 66th wedding anniversary on Sept 6th.

He grew up in Cuero Texas and went to high school in San Antonio where he met Judy his junior year after their English teacher introduced them. As soon as he graduated from high school, he served his country for four years in the US Navy. During that service he was stationed at Alameda Naval Base in Oakland, California; spending a year long tour on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier, deployed in the Western Pacific. He then attended college at Texas A&I University in Kingsville Texas, studying Natural Gas Engineering, Tom worked for the Texas Highway Department as a draftsman before going into business with his brother in Houston Texas. From 1973 to 2001 they built Welker Engineering to be the company it is today. Tom was an expert in Natural Gas Sampling and gas measurement and spoke and taught classes all over the world. He was beloved for his authenticity and unique teaching techniques and expertise in the details of his business. He was a card and always had some kind of joke or silly story to share.

As a lifelong square dancer after retirement, he took up calling and spent his free time doing expositions and teaching children the art of square dancing. He and Judy were leaders in the Square Dancing community for many years. They were president of the Houston Square and Round Dance Council and members of the Spirits Dance Group. He served for many years on the Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry Board of Directors where he picked up food weekly from community businesses for the food bank.

Tom was one of a kind, funny, serious when he needed to be and always willing to share his advice if you asked. He loved the Lord and served as a deacon for many years at Wilcrest Baptist Church in Alief later attending Sugar Land Methodist. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School and did so for many years. He loved to fish and hunt but fishing was his passion. He had a stint with a 53’ Hatteras fishing yacht taking friends and co-workers out to deep sea fish which was a highlight of his life. But nothing compared to the love and adoration he had for his two daughters and three grandchildren. He is survived by his oldest daughter, LeaAnne Welker Klentzman (Jim) of Richmond, youngest daughter Lynette Welker Pierce (Mark) of Richmond, granddaughters CorrieLee Klentzman (Jonathan) of Austin, Katherine Klentzman (Brent) of Austin, and only grandson William Thomas (Will-Thomas) Pierce of Richmond who was named in honor of his grandfather, as well as many of his nieces and nephews whom he stayed in touch with over the years. He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Judy, his mother and father and 3 siblings Charles Welker, Robert Welker, and Nancy Welker Cusack. His oldest brother was Harold Jr who died as a toddler in the early 1920’s at the age of 4.

The family would like to thank AllStar Hospice and Rose Hill Senior Living Staff for their care and support of Tom in his final years. They loved him like family; and we could not be more grateful.