Cohen Odell Welborn

C. Odell Welborn, 91, passed away on April 14, 2016 at a nursing home in Midland. He was born in October 12, 1924 in Clifton, Texas to Roy Lee Welborn and Gladys Ostell Grimland. He grew up and finished high school in Hico, Texas. He attended Baylor for a year before entering the U.S. Navy in 1944. After his service, he married Vivian June Wineberg on May 26, 1946 at First Methodist Church in Cranfills Gap, Texas where they lived for a year before moving to Odessa, Texas.

He graduated from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1951 and later moved to Midland to work for Ellis Funeral Home where he later retired in 1986.

He is preceded in death by his wife Vivian who passed away in 1999 and twin brother, Owen Lee Welborn in February of 1975.

He is survived by his son, Curtis Odell Welborn of Midland; grandsons, Casey Odell Welborn of Midland, Cody Lee Welborn of Dallas and Caleb Welborn of Gatesville and granddaughter, Elizabeth Welborn of Gatesville.

He belonged to Midland Masonic Lodge 623, Scottish Rite of Lubbock and the Shrine Clubs of Midland and San Angelo. He was a life member of the Optimist Club of Midland and was a past President of the DeMolay Chapter. He received the Cross of Honor and the Legion of Honor.

He loved football, fishing, and golf. He loved hosting fish fry’s for the Optimist Club and Shrine Golf Unit that he belonged to.

He also enjoyed being a Funeral Director for the people of Midland. He was President of the West Texas Funeral Directors Association from 1971 to 1972.

There will be a Graveside Service held at Resthaven Memorial Park on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend David Johnson officiating.