Thomas (Tommy) Lynn Welch

Thomas (Tommy) Lynn Welch, 71, of Big Spring passed away November 13, 2024, surrounded by his family.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 2 pm at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with a graveside following at Trinity Memorial Park.  A visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the funeral home.

He was born on July 23, 1953 in Seymour, Texas to Ernest and Mary Lynn Welch.  Shortly after Tommy’s birth the family moved to Big Spring. He graduated from Big Spring High School and attended Stephen F. Austin University.  Tommy met the love of his life, Teresa Cooper and married in 1974.  Together they moved to Dallas so Tommy could attend Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.  Upon graduation they returned to Big Spring to start their life together and serve in the family business.

Tommy was an active supporter of his community, serving on the boards of the Northside Community Center, First Church of the Nazarene, New Hope Christian School, Gideons, and was a member of the Downtown Lions Club. Tommy also served on the boards of Directors Investment Group, International Order of the Golden Rule, and the West Texas Funeral Directors Association honored as Funeral Director of the Year.  He then began his career under his father owning and operating Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Homes.

An accomplished pilot, woodworker, snow/water skier, and getting a book knocked out were just a few of his many talents. Tommy epitomized hard work, generosity, and charity- never sitting down, finding ways to help wherever he was, and devoting not just money and time but himself to the needs of many.  He never missed cooking breakfast, going on mission trips, and devoting his personal time to the church, he never missed a beat. Above all else, Tommy fiercely loved his family. He created memories for them and took them on as many adventures as he could. He taught them how to snow ski, holding their hands with their skis in between his, he took them camping, and spent time on the lake with them. Tommy loved the outdoors and was usually up for an experience, especially if the kids wanted to do it. He spent his life serving the community and was committed to ministering to others in need.  He took pride helping families in their greatest time of need.  He truly felt like it was a calling and this was the way he could make his mark on the world. He brought a level of professionalism and excellence to the funeral industry; he cared for each family as if they were his own.

Everyone knew Tommy as patient, kind, generous, a true servant of God. This was evident in how he cared for Teresa. He gave without expecting to receive. Physically volunteering for anything he could, taking other peoples’ burdens off their shoulders and putting them on his own.  He loved most of all spending time with his family and grandkids who he adored and knew him as “Pappy”.

Survivors includes wife of 50 years, Teresa Welch, his three children; daughter, Kasi Welch Baker and husband Brad of Midland, son, Kaegan Welch and wife Florence of New York, and daughter, Kylee Stockard and husband Wes of Abilene; grandchildren, Ellery Baker of Waco, Hudson Stockard of Abilene, Rowan Baker of Midland, Palmer Stockard of Abilene, Price Stockard of Abilene, and Stella Welch of New York; brother, Philip Welch and wife Nancy of Abilene; sister, Pam Welch and husband James of Big Spring; sisters and brothers in law, Jimmy and CJ Ward of Big Spring, Bill and Vanessa Burchett of Big Spring, Melissa and Eddie Decker of San Antonio; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his father, Ernest Welch, Jr., mother, Mary Lynn Welch; sister, Lynda Sue Welch; and his beloved pet Schnauzer, Sophie.

The family suggests memorials to:  First Church of the Nazarene, National MS Society, American Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring.  www.npwelch.com

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