Donald Ray Welch, 89, of Waco, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at The Brazos of Waco.
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, at Waco Memorial Park Chapel
Burial: Waco Memorial Park
Donald was born June 1, 1930 in Detroit, Texas to David Lorenza Welch and Mary Jane Hill Welch. He served his country in the US Army as an Army Ranger during the Korean War. Donald married Laura E. Welch and they enjoyed 63 years together before her passing on July 4, 2016. Before his retirement, he was employed with Maasco as Manager of Human Resources.
He loved serving others in many ways including as a member and Past President of the Lancaster Lions Club, former Mayor of Lancaster, Texas, 32nd Degree Mason, Past Worshipful Master of Lancaster Lodge No. 160 and member for 50 plus years, member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry – Valley of Dallas, Orient of Texas 50 plus year member and former Treasurer of Crossings Church.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laura; and his siblings, Doris Neal, Horace Welch, Kenneth Welch, Joe Welch, and Yvonne Callaway.
He is survived by his daughter, Donna K. Dendy and husband, Kirby of China Spring; his grandchildren, Andrea DeLaCruz and husband, Simon of Little Elm and S. Travis Dendy and wife, Amy of Willow Park; great-grandchildren, Kayden Dendy, Reagan Dendy, Caleb DeLaCruz, Alyssa DeLaCruz and Ashton DeLaCruz.
The family wishes to thank his caretakers, Joy Salvatore, who loved him like her own, and Van Woodard. Additionally, a special thank you to the staff of The Brazos of Waco for their love and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the George N. Denton #24 Lodge, P.O. Box 8661, Waco, TX 76714 for the benefit of the Donald R. Welch scholarship or to the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop, 2010 LaSalle Avenue, Waco, TX 76706
Place of Service: Waco Memorial Park , 6623 S. IH-35; Robinson, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
Donna, I’m so sorry I can’t be with you and your
family at this time. Know that I’ll be thinking about you and offer prayers for you.
Donna, so sorry to hear of your father’s death. My prayers are with you and your family. What a blessing it is to know your parents are now celebrating together in Heaven!
I mourn with all of you.
Don and I were like real brother and sister, not in laws. He and I enjoyed arguing politics, all in fun.
He was a fine man, who accomplished so much .
I know all of you will miss him, and so will I.
Love and prayers.
Aunt Merilyn
Love, hugs and prayers to you and your family, Donna. We love you. ❤️
Donna, sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was a great man and gave his time to a lot of great causes. Prayers your way.
What a special person he was. It was a pleasure working with him years ago. He was good to me and I never forgot it. RIP Mr. Welch you deserve it.
It’s with sadness to hear of Don Welch passing as he was a great friend in Lancaster. Under his leadership I was elected to Lancaster City Council, joined the Lions Club there and tried to join the Masons but time would not permit that venture. May he RIP.
We are so sorry for your loss????????
Bill (Duny) and Tammy Hollingsworth
Very sorry for your loss Donna. Hope you are doing well!
Sorry for your loss for Uncle Don , Donna , have to hold your head high and just God has a plan for him and you.
Joyce hodo (skillern)
The Baylor Scott & White Hospice team would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy. Thank you for allowing us to care for Mr. Welch and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. There is one more angel in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry Donna for your loss…..Uncle Don was a great guy…..prayers for you and the rest of the family….May God give ya a peace that only he can give… Love ya….