John Edward Welch

John Edward ìJohnnyî Welch was born September 4, 1940 in Skiatook, Oklahoma. He was the son of Allen and Amanda Juanita (Carter) Welch. Johnny was raised in Osage County, attending school in Wild Horse and Hominy. Upon the completion of his education, Johnny moved to the Pampa, Texas area where he accepted employment in the oilfields of the Texas Panhandle. During the early years of his first two childrenís (Ricky and Darla) lives, the family moved frequently following work in the oilfield, spending quite a bit of time in the Perryton, Texas area. During the next several years, Johnny moved his family to Michigan, where he worked as a welderís helper on a pipeline, back to Perryton, Booker, Texas and then to Cleveland, Oklahoma in 1978. During this period, his third and fourth children, Cindy and John were born. Searching for a career that would lead to stability and a permanent home, Johnny began working in the construction business as a cement finisher. As he became more and more successful he opened his own company, Welchís Construction; completing foundations and footings to homes and businesses all around the Cleveland area. He worked on numerous home projects around the Keystone Lake area and several new business constructions in Cleveland including the First Bank of Cleveland, now known as the American Heritage Bank. During his career, Johnny endured the pain and discomfort of breaking his back on three separate occasions, while working as a welderís helper in Michigan, while working on an oil rig in Texas and later in an automobile accident. Although suffering significantly through these injuries, Johnny always had a positive outlook and maintained his sense of humor. Johnny was described by his family as a loyal, giving and funny father and grandfather. He loved the outdoors; spending time camping, boating, fishing and hunting. His sense of humor would always have his family and friends laughing and he loved to tell funny stories. He made friends easily and loved to just sit and visit. Most of the time while watching television, he would be watching the Lifetime Movie Network (LMN). After moving to Cleveland nearly thirty four years ago he has resided on this farm just off Highway 64 on Blackburn Cemetery Road. He could often be found fishing on his pond with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed going to the Casinos in the area whenever someone would stop by to take him. Johnny passed away on Friday, March 2, 2012 at his home near Cleveland in rural Pawnee County. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas Edward Welch; sister, Floral Ozel Welch Blue; and a great-grandson, Mason Call. He is survived by four children, Ricky and his wife, Donetta Welch of Duncan, Oklahoma, Darla Parker of Auburndale, Florida, Cindy and Danny Proctor of Cleveland, Oklahoma, and John ìGuyboyî and Michelle Welch of Cleveland, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren, Chris and Justin Welch, Alicia Call, Shawnda OíDonald, Ricky OíDonald, Courtney OíDonald, Jordan Parker, Jereme Proctor, Shawn Proctor, and Shariece Proctor; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a sister, Norma Jean Morgan of Perryton, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Gene Black, Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.