John Frederick Welling

Fred was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 5th of September 1924. At the age of three, the family moved to Houston where he lived on a farm in West University. His family’s yard was bustling with chickens while he milked the cows early every morning. As a boy, he moved with his family to West Bell Street off of West Dallas. Soon thereafter, he attended St. Anne's School followed by St. Thomas High School. He graduated high school in 1942.

Fred attended Seminarian College at the University of Ontario and earned a Master's in Mathematics. He then moved back to Houston and taught at St. Thomas. Later, he was honored to be elected President of St. Thomas Board of Directors. He served for ten years.

He then opened up a small insurance company and quickly turned his insurance profits into land acquisitions. He soon acquired many different retail and apartments close to Houston’s treasured Memorial Park. In addition, he purchased several savings and loans in Austin.

Fred was a prolific gardener. Gardening was a touchstone for him. He kept a separate garden on his property, marked with a slightly slanted, wooden farmhouse sign engraved, “Grandpa’s Garden.”

Fred’s landscaping skills and love of nature were evident in the multitude of properties he acquired and maintained which stretched across Memorial Drive from Allen Parkway to Memorial Park. His affection for the outdoors was not limited to Houston. He acquired property on Lake Travis, where his wife and three sons spent summers vacationing. This idyllic central Texas getaway, with its crystal-clear waters, offered moments of insight and relaxation. Here, he spent time with his family, skiing cooking and bonding. His culinary skills were exceptional – another means of expression for his perfect soul.

Fred’s signature nature resort was the legendary Rainbow Lodge, now known as Tilman Fertitta’s Brenner’s on the Bayou. This scenic spot on the edge of Buffalo Bayou became well recognized as a venue for weddings, family gatherings, and special events. Here, Houstonians and visitors could spend the evening enjoying fine food and wine while listening to the giant waterfall gardens designed by Fred. The original building Fred converted still stands today.

Most significantly, Fred was a family man first and dearly loved his wife, Judy Welling. She played an enormous role in his life as his best friend and mother to three fine sons Judd, Shawn, and Derek. Fred’s wife was a kind and gentle woman, and was admired for her athleticism and musical talents. The two enjoyed the special magic of everyday joys and shared those stories at family gatherings, touching the hearts of those in attendance. They understood the wonders of human emotion and loved to share their jokes and good humor with friends and family. They were married 52 years when Judy passed on the 31st of August 2012.

Many of the family photo albums are of family trips to Key Allegro Rockport, where Fred’s wife and children ventured out to fish and learn the art of water skiing. Every day was concluded by watching beautiful sunsets over the gulf.

Fred will always be remembered first and foremost as someone who thrived off of sunlight surrounded by nature and plant life. He was a natural-born father and husband, a committed and loving friend to many, and a guiding light to all who knew him.

Fred is survived by his three wonderful sons, Judd, Shawn and Derek. He is also survived by four fantastic grandchildren: Sydney Welling, Justin Welling, Peyton Welling, EmmaRain Welling and his loving sister, Elizabeth Deaver.

The family will gather for a private entombment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

For those desiring, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007.