Wayne is survived by his wife of 52 years Patricia Welch, and his three children, sons Richard Vernon Welch, Aaron Benjamin Welch, and daughter Millisent Lacey Winkler. He also has nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Louis Cantrell, Carole Braudis, Jannett Carrol, and Harry “Bill” Welch.
Wayne was a proud letterman of the King HS marching band (French Horn) when he graduated in 1968. He soon joined the Army, where he was assigned to the Third Army Band, Ft. McPherson, GA. During his short service Wayne was promoted to Specialist 4th Class.
After his service, he returned to Tampa and met his wife Patricia. They were both working at Bush Gardens at the time. They were quickly married and started a family. A few years later, the family picked up and moved to Houston. Wayne had been working as a journeyman plumber, and once licensed he started his own plumbing business.
He was fairly successful until he had some health issues and needed to shut down the company. Once he recovered he had a few positions at different companies before ultimately landing at St. John’s School, where he worked for 32 years. Wayne flourished in this new environment and rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Director of Construction.
He took great pride in the campus, athletics fields and commons. He gushed with pride when the new theater and gymnasiums were built. Wayne gave every bit of himself to his St John’s family helping out any way he could. There was never a project or a request that was too big or too small for his attention. He poured his heart and life into making sure the staff and students had everything they needed to be successful.
Once retired, Wayne’s life slowed significantly. He mostly did house projects and spent a lot of time in the garden. Many hours were spent with the family sitting on the back porch talking and enjoying his work.. This time was good for the whole family as we got to enjoy him without all the distractions of the outside world. We got to have long conversations and get to really know him as a person rather than just as a husband / father. Many have had the privilege to know Wayne Welch, but we had the honor of loving him.
A memorial service will be held for all SJS family at The Church of St. John the Divine in Houston, TX, on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 11am, with a reception to follow. A viewing will take place on the same day from 5-7pm at Grand View Memorial Park in Deer Park, TX. The family will be available to receive guests at the Welch Family Home. Wayne will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 11:15am.
Memorial service will be held for all SJS family
Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11am
The Church of St. John the Divine
2450 River Oaks Blvd. Houston, TX. 77019
-reception in parlor following service
Viewing
Friday, May 3, 2024 from 5-7pm
Grand View Memorial Park
8516 Spencer Hwy. Deer Park, TX. 77536
*Family to receive guests at Welch Family Home
2517 Live Oak Trail. Deer Park, TX. 77536
Final resting place
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11:15
Houston National Cemetery
10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX. 77038
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