Donald Andrew Welch

Today, we bid farewell to Don Welch, 86, of Stamford, TX, a true family man and friend to many, who departed from this world on Thursday, September 18, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, wisdom and a plain spoken straight forward way of life. Don walked through life with a gentle strength, that touched many lives with unforgettable grace. While Don may be gone, his love for his family, his independent spirit, one-line sayings, the T.C.R. and zest for life will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

Donald Andrew Welch was born on August 1, 1939, to Harold Weldon and Ethel (Smith) Welch in Stamford, TX. After Don graduated from Stamford High School in 1957, he enrolled in the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. He later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, TX. Don served his country in the U.S. Army from November 15, 1961, till November 14, 1963.

On May 2, 1964, Don married Miss Merina Self, at the Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, TX. Through this union Don learned what it was like to be married to a fine and wonderful woman and to love her beyond bearing with the sure knowledge that Merina’s world revolved around him and their two children, Ethel Lynette and Matthew Donald. Don cherished his role as a parent, a father-in-law, and being a “Papa” to his five grandchildren. However, he always gave Merina the credit for their well reared children. The Welch’s always loved to have their family gather for birthdays, summertime activities, the Texas Cowboy Reunion, and especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Don and Merina’s lives took on numerous adventures following their marriage and Don’s career with WTU from traveling for events with the company to moving for the job. They resided in Stamford, Aspermont, Wellington, Alpine, Abilene and finally following Don’s retirement in 1995 they made it back to Stamford for the third time to build their retirement home. However, retirement and full-time golfing did not suit Don for long before he embarked on a new career in ranching which has span for 30 plus years. On February 1, 2011, Don lost his beloved wife, Merina, whom he had shared life with for 46 years.

As time passed Don and lifelong friend Lavada Rhodes became each other’s significant other sharing their social lives and respective family gatherings together.

Don’s memory will be cherished by many for his uncensored direct spoken advice, his one-line sayings, and the nicknames endeared to family and close friends. Don believed in community and supporting good causes for the betterment of the town he lived in. He served on numerous boards and committees throughout his life, including being a Mason for over 50 years. As an untiring lifetime advocate of the Texas Cowboy Reunion, Don has led the grand entry for 20 years. He served as the events chairman for several years and has been a director on the T.C.R. board since 1977. Throughout his working career and retirement Don enjoyed a good round of golf with his business acquaintance and friends.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Merina, his parents, his stepdad, Jack Kennedy, two brothers, Richard David “Whitey” Welch, and Jack Donald Kennedy, Jr.

Don’s legacy will be carried on by his family whom he didn’t love a “yittle yot”, but a “yot yot”: one daughter and son- in-law, Lynette and Todd Lewis of Brownwood; one son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Tara Welch of Rockwall; five grandchildren, Alyssa Nicole Lewis, Ryan Glenn Lewis, Jacklyn Brooke Lewis, Ava Merina Welch and Steen Sandler Welch; one brother and sister-in-law, John Ed and Sandra Welch; and a dear friend, Lavada Rhodes. This gentle, loving, caring and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on the hearts of additional family members and friends and will be supremely missed.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2025 at Texas Cowboy Pavilion with Pastor Riley Carver officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home 807 Columbia Street, Stamford, Texas.

Memorials may be sent in Don’s memory to the Texas Cowboy Reunion, 620 N. Swenson, Stamford, TX 79553.