John Carroll Welch

John was born in Bradley, Oklahoma on January 24, 1928 to Alvah and Delta Welch, the fourth of five children. He was raised in Chickasha, Oklahoma and attended Chickasha High School, home of the Fightin’ Chicks.He enlisted in the Army while still in high school and two days after graduation in May of 1946, he left for boot camp. He boarded a Victory Ship in northern California and was shipped to a base in Korea. He earned the WWII Victory Medal in 1946.Following an honorable discharge, he moved back to Oklahoma and tried his hand at college football for a short time. He worked for Oklahoma G & E, joined the Air Force reserves with his two brothers and was called up in 1951. He was stationed at the new air force services base in Chateauroux, France then later in Moulins, France. Honorably discharged once again, he returned to Wichita Falls, Texas and worked as a policeman, attended Midwestern State University on the G.I. bill, and graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Geology. He married Sharon Caroline Farley on Thanksgiving Day 1957 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls, TX.Once out of college, he went to work mud-logging offshore and he made every single meal offered. He worked for a series of oil field service companies as a field rep and salesman, and after transferring many times, eventually landed in Midland, Texas in 1964. He and Sharon had four sons throughout a three-state tour. He never dreamed Midland would still be going strong after all the booms and busts. He worked for Foy Boyd Associates and HCW Exploration in Midland through the boom, and then went to work at Sam’s Club in 1985 at the age of 57 where he worked for 22 years until he retired in 2007. He was nominated by co-workers to attend the annual employees meeting in Bentonville, AR, something he truly enjoyed.John (Goodlookin’) Welch was fun loving and good humored; he loved to make people laugh. However, he was very polite and reverent at the proper times. Being a depression era product, he saw value in everything and everyone. He truly loved people and would talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime, almost to the embarrassment of his family. Popular belief was he knew everyone in Midland, and likely all of West Texas and southeast New Mexico. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and father–in-law.Shortly before his death John converted to Catholicism in a private ceremony in his home, with Father Tony Franco presiding.John volunteered many hours with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Petroleum Museum, Midland Memorial Hospital, and Christmas in Action.He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Sharon, four sons, Pat and wife, Sara Welch of Midland, TX; Andy and wife, Barbara Welch of Albuquerque, NM; Steven Welch of Midland, TX, and Charles Welch also of Midland, TX; seven grandchildren, Elaine and husband Cameron Connell, Diana Welch, Lucas Welch, Michael Welch, Nick Welch, Katie Welch, and Steven Welch.John was preceded in death by his parents, Alvah and Delta Welch, sisters, Phyllis Welch and Vinola Howery, brothers, Al Welch and Jim Welch, and grandson, Daniel Welch.John’s family would like to express gratitude for the kind and loving care provided by the West Texas Veterans Healthcare System, especially Veterans Administration contract nurses Diana and Michael from Nurses Unlimited; as well as Hospice of Midland, especially nurses Tracy, Veronica, and McConnell. They brought comfort and support for John and his family in his final days.In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of Midland, or Meals on Wheels.A Rosary service will be held Monday, April 3, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at St Ann’s Catholic Church. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m., also at St Ann’s.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,