Captain John C Welborn Sr.

May 5, 1930 – June 17, 2022

A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, John C. Welborn, Sr. passed away peacefully at 92 on Friday, June 17, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at home. A man of immense strength and tremendous compassion, service to and protection of others defined his life. John was born in Athens, Texas on May 5, 1930 to parents Thomas "Tom" and Jewel Coker Welborn. After a move to Grand Prairie, he graduated from the town’s high school, where he played on the football team every year of his attendance there.

John joined the U.S. Army on July 14, 1948. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, he advanced to paratroop training at Fort Benning. After excelling in this second phase and completing several jumps, he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1950, John was called from reserve status for service in the Korean War and was assigned to the K.C. 35th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division. After numerous missions and operations, he returned to the Baton Rouge and reserve status in 1951.

Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, 1951, became an ongoing cause for thanks when John first met the love of his life, Anna Mae Dipuma. They were married on April 13, 1952 and began their family soon afterward. Though his incredible career encompassed distinguished service in military, law enforcement and expert security, the role that he served in the longest and most lovingly was that of patriarch.

Having joined the 389th Military Police Unit upon his return home and continuing through 1960, John’s military service and skill led naturally into a successful career in law enforcement. He graduated from the Baton Rouge City Police Department Academy in August of 1957 and began duty in uniform patrol. By 1958, he advanced to the Detective Division, where he remained throughout the years in many capacities and with numerous investigative specialties. John was placed in charge of the Narcotics Division in 1974 by Chief Howard Kidder, serving in that capacity until 1984. By 1980, he earned the rank of Captain. He was especially proud of these years and under his leadership, the division received national recognition. During that time, he was involved in hundreds of major operations, working with agents from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police Drug Task Force, the DEA and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. He was honored to serve with many great men and women and experience the quality of teamwork between his department and those others. John became District Commander of 2nd District, in charge as Detective Captain, from 1985 to 1986.

Throughout his law enforcement years, John was also a noted teacher and student, teaching courses in homicide and narcotics investigation at the academy. He attended and graduated from 21 different schools or courses, including some at the FBI level. In January of 1986, Captain John Welborn retired after 29 years of service. Over his many years in the department, he developed lasting friendships and working relationships with countless colleagues from many law enforcement agencies in addition to his own. Rather than commanding respect, he earned it far and wide through the way he treated others.

Not content to relax for long, John added another notable accomplishment when he served as security and Sergeant-at-Arms at the Louisiana State Capitol. After his tenure there, he was commissioned by the Agriculture Commissioner’s office to create a security detail manned by active and retired law enforcement officers. Another longtime affiliation John had was his membership in the Central Masonic Lodge 442.

John was a vivid storyteller and conversationalist of great insight, subtle wit and humor and he always provided wise counsel to loved ones and friends in his unmistakable manner. The well-known love of history passed down to his family began with his enthusiasm and knowledge. His incredible recall and recollections of his experiences over the years could have filled volumes and, in fact, a summary document of some of his feats through his BRPD retirement has been preserved for family and friends to experience through his own words. Notably, John’s humble nature led him to not call attention to himself singly. His observations and conversations tended to highlight his achievements as part of a team effort or bigger picture, giving credit to others consistently.

In addition to his beloved wife of 70 years, Anna Mae Dipuma Welborn, those left to cherish his memory are his sons John “Coker” Welborn, Jr., Doug Welborn, Wade Welborn and James “Jimmy” Welborn and wife Tammy. He is also survived by grandchildren Erica Welborn Malone and husband Ryan, Lindsey Welborn, Blake Welborn, Skylar Welborn, Colby Welborn and Piper Welborn; great-grandchildren Gabriel Malone, Dulcie Malone, Juniper Malone and numerous nieces and nephews.

Awaiting John in Heaven are his son, William “Billy” Welborn and daughter, Darlene Anne, who was one of triplets born with Billy and Jimmy and began her heavenly journey after only three hours on earth; also preceding him are grandchildren Ryan, Landen and Lauren Welborn and great-grandson Joseph “Little Joe” Malone; his parents; sisters, Maryalla Evelyn Pickett, Lula Mae Tanner, Nina Ray Black and Leila Ann Smith; and brothers, Joseph E., William, Douglas "Tex" and James Welborn.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 23 from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Central Funeral Home at 9955 Hooper Road. Funeral service will be from 11:00 to 12:00 noon with procession to graveside service immediately following at Galilee Baptist Church, at 11050 Greenwell Springs-Port Hudson Rd, LA-64.

Heaven has welcomed a man with a lion’s strength and a heart as big as his native Texas. Though so many family members and friends who loved John will miss his leadership and great company, he leaves for them all the tremendous example he set and a well-lived lifetime of wonderful memories to cherish until they see him again.