Ladell Welch

LaDell was a strong loving father, friend, and brother. LaDell was so independent, so strong, and he will forever be our family’s rock. O.L. was the nickname that he was fondly known by his family and close friend. O. L. was someone you could always depend on no matter what Uncle O.L. would be there for you.

LaDell was born LayDell Welch to the loving parents of Lottie Yearby -Welch and O’Neal Welch on August 16, 1942 in Monroe, Louisiana. After a long battle with Prostate cancer he succumbed to it at home surrounded by his loving family on October 14, 2021. LaDell was 79 years old. He was definitely a fighter to the end and will forever be known as our family rock.

LaDell attended and graduated from State High School, in Monroe Louisiana. He later married Ethel Shepard- Welch and from that union had three beautiful daughters Cynthia Ann Welch, Charlene LaRue, and Sharon LaGail Welch-McGee. After driving across the country to California for better job opportunities with his Aunt Alice and Sister Mary he decided to move his family to California as well. LaDell later remarried and in his union with Sharron Welch they had a beautiful baby boy, LaDell’s only son Kennon Craig Welch.

LaDell work at Chrysler Motors in California in 1968 and later Coca Cola, Co. in 1972. He also worked for A.O.T.I.O. aluminum plant 1974 until the plant closed. LaDell later worked for Rapid Transit District (RTD) now known as the Metro Transit as a bus driver, which is now known as Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), before retiring after 23 years . Dad would come home with many stories about what happened on his bus every day. Some stories were funny but others were scary. He lived a simple life and he enjoyed it to the fullest.

LaDell was a God fearing man. He believed in and knew our Lord and Savory. He joined New Hope Missionary Church 2011, there he enjoyed Bible Study and where he later severed also was a Deacon for several years before getting sick. Friends from his church family would call often to check on and pray with him. Dad really and truly appreciated the love and support that he received from his church family. LaDell was an avid donated to multiple non-profit organizations such as The Salvation Army, the Cancer Society for many years and multiple military organizations.

LaDell enjoyed watching his football and basketball games on the weekends, and most of all his Cadillacs! LaDell in his youth was known to love and drive a Cadillacs! He loved traveling when he could. He visited such places as Mexico, Germany, Las Vegas, and London, just a few countries that he was able to cross off his bucket list. He also enjoyed listening to his music especially listening to Oldies and Gospel music.

LaDell also enjoyed family gatherings and watching some of his favorite television shows like the Price is Right. He also enjoyed keeping his lawn up cutting the grass every other Sunday before he got sick. He will be truly be missed.

LaDell Welch leaves behind in morning his daughters, Cynthia Welch, Charlene Welch, Sharon Welch-McGee, son, Kennon Welch. Grandchildren: (Mother Cynthia) Christopher Horton, Kenneth Horton Jr, A’jsia Horton, Raven Horton, (Mother Charlene) Kirk Fields, Kyla Johnson Fields, Luther Willis, (Mother Sharon) David McGee, (Father Kennon) Arryana Welch, Great Grandchildren, Uziah Todd, Kennidi Horton. Sibling , Sherman Welch (brother preceded in death) , James Neal (brother preceded in death), Mary Moore (sister preceded in death), baby brother James Welch, Sisters, Ruby Scales, JoAnn Carter, Dianne Welch-Wiidley, Marilyn Houston, Finnie Robinson Jenkins, and a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

-We Love You O.L and will miss your beautiful green eyes and your beautiful smile.

Take care Dad until we see each other again!