Donald Welch Obituary

Donald Welch MT. PLEASANT - Our cowboy went to be with our Heavenly Father. Donald Edward Welch, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2012. The relatives and friends of Don Welch are invited to attend his memorial service on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT. PLEASANT CHAPEL at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet guests from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in Beaufort National Cemetery The youngest child born to the late Morris and Carrie Welch in Hughes-Springs, TX on July 27, 1930, was raised in Jefferson, TX where he developed lifelong friendships. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean, on June 3, 1951 in Nacadoges, TX. He was a proud veteran and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his service, he was in the carpet and floor covering business in Texas City, TX where he raised his family. Later, he moved his family to Pasadena, TX where he was in the commercial real estate business for over 30 years and was a leader in his industry. Don was a dedicated philanthropist and lifelong member of the Texas Crippled Children's Camp. He was a member of the Lion's Club of Pasadena for over thirty years and served as the club's president for two years and received many accolades. Most importantly, Don was a faithful Christian and enjoyed his memberships at First Methodist Church in Pasadena, TX and later at Hibben Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Don was the patriarch of his family. Always an optimist, he was their constant supporter never wavering in his devotion and encouragement for them. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Morris Welch III and Dorothy Freeman. Don is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 61 years, Bonnie Jean Welch; his adoring children, daughter Donna Jean Thomas and her husband Phil Thomas and son Steve Louis Welch; his cherished grandchildren, Steven Mitchel Tate, Landon Collins Talkington and Bonnie Nicole Thomas and her husband Michael Thomas; his beloved great-grandchildren, Presley Nicole Sisson, Lilian Grace Thomas, Lauren Collins Talkington and Hudson Middleton Thomas; and an extensive list of friends and loving relatives. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the American Heart Association in honor of his wife, Hollings Cancer Center in honor of his daughter or International Child Art Foundation, a charity selected by his great-granddaughter, Presley. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting www.mcalistersmith.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths