Barry Sinclair Welton

Barry Sinclair Welton, 79, born March 5, 1933, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Morning Glory Adult Care Home. He was born in Fairmont, West Virginia to Sprigg and Frances Miller. His father was a native West Virginian drawn to the oilfields of West Texas, and his mother came from a ranching family located near Abilene, Texas. Soon after his birth, Barrys family moved back to Abilene, and later to Fort Stockton. Barrys parents died while he was of young age, and both he and his brother Sandy were moved back to Fairmont, West Virginia and adopted by their Aunt Eleanor and Dr. William Welton.Barry graduated from Fairmont High School and continued his education at West Virginia University where he studied Petroleum Engineering and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. While working as a waiter at the Chi Omega house, he met his future wife, Carolyn Thomas. On December 27, 1954, they married in Marlinton, West Virginia, and lived in Morgantown, West Virginia while Barry finished his last year of college. After graduating from WVU in 1954, Barry was employed by Magnolia Petroleum Company, where his career began in Seminole, Texas. He was then transferred to Duncan, Oklahoma, and later to Magnolias Sprayberry Camp, located outside of Midland, where he began working as a junior Petroleum Engineer. Here is where Barry and Carolyns family began with the birth of their first child Bill. Barry was then transferred to Brownfield, Texas and in 1957 their second child Lisa was born.Barry was soon accepted into the University of Texas Law School. Their third child Beth was born, as he was about to pass his bar exam. After finishing law school, Barry accepted a position with Texaco in their land department, making a final move back to Midland. Barry then pursued opportunities made available to him as a trust officer with Midland National Bank, and later as a stockbroker with Parker, Bishop and Welch. In 1970, Barry and his partner Wayne Westerman established End Devices, Inc., a company focused on oil field production automation, where he remained until retirement in 1985.Barry was happiest when he was on the golf course. He looked forward to and enjoyed the times spent in Horseshoe Bay, playing golf and being around his family. His most memorable courses to play were at St. Andrews, Scotland and at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. His life long friends were many of his golfing buddies. Barry was also involved in various organizations where lasting friendships were made. These included the Lions Club, SIPES, Sigma Chi Alumni and activities with his children and grandchildren.Barry was a long time member of Grace Presbyterian Church (formerly Christ Presbyterian Church) where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, choir member and assisted with the youth program when his children were teenagers. He also found great pleasure when volunteering his time at the St. Andrews Mission.Preceding him in death were his natural parents, his adoptive parents, brothers Bill and Jack Welton, and his favorite Aunt Betty and Uncle Bill Long. He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 58 years; brother Sandy Welton and wife Julia; sister-in-law Marcella Welton; son Bill Welton and wife Karen of Houston; daughters, Lisa Sell of Midland, and Beth Maxwell and husband Kenny of Sweetwater. Grandchildren: Lauren Pricket, Emily and Molly Welton; Taylor Sell and wife, Jennifer and great grandchildren, Caroline, Stephanie and Spencer Sell; Tripp Maxwell and wife Dana, Chelsey, Cole and Mason Maxwell.A memorial service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Reverend Cheryl Homsher will officiate.The family is so grateful to Jennifer and Bob Burleson, and their staff at Morning Glory, for the special and loving care given to Barry during the final years of his life. And the family wants to give special thanks and appreciation for the medical care graciously provided to Barry by Dr. Gregory Bartha.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N Garfield ST, Midland, 79705 or St. Andrews Presbyterian Mission, 1708 N Fort Worth ST, Midland, 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,