Bill Z. Welch

Bill Z. (Cowpa) Welch went home to be with his Savior on Monday, August 25, 2008, in Midland, Texas, surrounded by family and friends, following a seven year battle with Alzheimer's.Bill was born March 19, 1929 in Lamesa, Texas to George W. and Dera Mae Welch. He attended Hobbs High School, West Texas State in Canyon and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He served his country in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Boxer during the Korean War.He married Juanette King on February 3, 1968 in Carlsbad, N.M. He was associated with Harris Rathole Service and Bill Jackson Realty in Midland. He loved serving the Lord as a Deacon at Cottonflat Baptist Church and Ranchland Heights Baptist Church. He loved golf, racehorses, and all animals, including squirrels. He especially loved any sport his kids or grandkids played.He was preceded in death by his brother, Basil, his parents, and nephew, Gary Welch. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Juanette; his daughter, Juanice Tucker and husband, Ron, of San Angelo; son Chris Welch and wife Angie, of Greenwood; son Cody Welch and wife Lezly, of Amarillo, and son, Rahn Welch. He was Cowpa to grandson Shawn Grandi and wife Kristen, of Midland; granddaughter Chrissa Swinehart of San Angelo; granddaughter Chelsea Smith and husband Paden of Stanton; grandson Shelby Welch of Greenwood; grandson Steve Welch and granddaughter Ella Claire Welch of Amarillo; great granddaughters Hailey Grandi, Morgan Dowdle, Finley Grandi of Midland and Dahlia Presley Swinehart of San Angelo; great grandsons Jason Warriner of Big Lake, and Mack Swinehart of San Angelo. Bonus granddaughters include Stephanie Tucker of Garden City, Kansas, Amber Tucker of Odessa, Ashley Collins and husband Derek of Mosul, Iraq. Bonus great grandson includes Tristan Collins of Ft. Hood, and bonus great granddaughter Brooklyn Wells of Garden City, Kansas. He is also survived by one nephew, David Welch of Albuquerque, New Mexico.Celebration of Bill's life will be held 10:00am, Thursday, August 28, 2008 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland, Texas with Terry Easley and Robert Kepple, officiating. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch.The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Trinity Haven for providing care and compassion far above what was required or expected. Bill loved each of you."Thanks for being our Cowpa."Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,