Joe Michael Welch

Joe M. Welch, 64, of Johnson City Texas, passed away on November 29, 2022. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 27, 1957 to parents Robert E. Welch Jr. and Ida S. Welch. Joe graduated from Aldine High School. He met the love of his life Sandra in Houston, Texas and united their love August 20, 1977. Joe worked in the Chemical Industry at Dow Chemical for 30 years. He was a member of BSA and had a passion for rock climbing and hiking.

Joe Welch was one of the three original members of what grew into the largest and most active BSA climbing program in the nation. Under Joe’s leadership, the climbing program directly impacted the lives of thousands of Scouts over the course of his 30+ years of dedicated service. In addition to his local efforts, Joe was one of the original staff members for the national BSA Director course at Philmont Scout Ranch, held annually since 2001. Focused solely on better serving the youth, Joe was instrumental in the design specifications and construction of a 50-foot- tall climbing tower at the Tellepsen Scout Camp in Navasota in 2015 and the climbing complex at the new Camp Strake in 2019. In recognition of his service to scouting and specifically the scouting youth, Joe received the Silver Beaver award from the BSA’s National Court of Honor and the Order of the Arrow’s highest award, the Vigil.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert E. Welch Jr. and Ida S. Welch, in laws James V. Kincheloe and Oletha J. Kincheloe and niece Samantha W. Urbanek.

He is survived by his beloved Sandra K. Welch, son Michael J. Welch and wife Hazel Welch, grandson Declan W. Welch, brother Robert E. Welch III and wife Sherry Welch and family, sister Kathie W. and husband Craig Van Baarle and family. Along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Steve Robinson, Doug Crowe, CJ Van Baarle, Michael Welch, Bill Patrick, Brett Dix, and Thomas Van Baarle.

A visitation for Joe will be held Friday, December 9, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM. A burial to follow at Brookside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of the Lung Transplant Program at Houston Methodist. C/O Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, PO Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384. Please make a notation that your gift is in memory of Joe Welch.