John Robert Welch
John Robert Welch lived a life worthy of many amazing stories.
Even though he owned a coveted piece of God’s country in Colorado, he’d say his most prized possession was his family. We all felt his love, enjoyed his company and returned it in spades at one time or another. He relished his role as dad, grandpa, pee-paw, papa, leader of fishing expeditions, teller of tales and dream caster of cowboy adventures.
John was born on December 13th, 1928, in Santa Ana, Texas, and left the earthly plane on October 25th, 2021, at the age of 92. Nancy Welch, his beloved wife of 59 years and mother to his children, passed before him on June 2nd, 2010. John was the second of five boys born to William Sam and Beth Clark Welch. His brothers Billy, Burel, Benton, Kenneth and his parents all preceded him in death.
John’s life was not perfect, but it was well lived and he took pride in trying to be the best man he could be. He was a proud father and grandfather, pillar of the community and the church, achieved the rank of Sergeant serving honorably in the Marines, President of the Kiwanis Club, Boy Scout leader, accomplished hunter, eager fishing partner, feeder of stray cats and gracious host and friend to many who crossed his path.
He worked hard, laughed harder and created space for those around him to do the same. He was quick to make a friend over coffee and a fishing story or make a plan to ‘wet a hook’ before it gets too hot tomorrow morning.
John faced his death head on and with an even keel, much like he lived his life. He relished one more visit and just another conversation as he was in his home, surrounded by family and friends in his final months. As much as he joked about wanting to be left up under his ‘shooting tree’ over his favorite canyon outside of Pagosa, he chose his final resting place next to his wife Nancy in Ennis.
John is survived by a large and loving family including his four children: Sherry Ellis and her husband John, Robert Welch and his wife Tammy, Lee Welch, Joyce McCain and her husband Sid; fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Brandon Heath Ellis and his stepson Adrian, Christopher Ellis and his wife Anne Marie, Travis McCain, his wife Susan and their son Bryce, Trisha Evans, her husband Arlen and their daughter Callie, Samantha Neal, her husband Jeff and their children John Wyatt and Ainsley, Marissa Martin, her husband John and their daughter Ruby, Monica Witherspoon and Adam Roop, Alex Odom, his wife Emily and their children Adeline and Charlotte.
He will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ellis County DET 1452-Marine Corps League, American Legion or Kiwanis in Ennis, TX.
Honorary Pallbearers:
Tabernacle Baptist Church Senior Men’s Class
Visitation
Friday, November 05, 2021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
J.E. Keever Mortuary (Ennis Chapel)
408 North Dallas
Ennis, Texas 75119
Graveside Service
Friday, November 05, 2021
2:00 PM Myrtle Cemetery, Ennis, TX
