Welch William

Memorial Service at Open Door Church of God, Walters, Thursday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Roger Noland officiating, with Military Honors by the U.S. Navy.

William Ray Welch was born to Cecil William and Lorene Irene (Marple) Welch on October 17, 1945, at Lawton, OK and departed this life in Wichita Falls, TX on March 31, 2017 at the age of 71 years, 5 months and 14 days.

Willie grew up at Shawnee, OK. He then joined the United States Navy at age 17 to begin a 30 year career of service to his country. He made several moves through the years but was mainly based in San Diego, retiring as a Senior Chief Aircraft Mechanic. He had met Marianne J. Snelling on Valentine’s Day 1984 at the Chief’s Club in San Diego. Upon his retirement they moved to Oklahoma and in the Waurika Lake area in 2000 and eventually moved to Walters in 2010. She preceded him in death in 2015.

Willie enjoyed hunting, shooting, fishing and loved his dogs. He also enjoyed getting around town visiting and was very generous. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and VFW. On November 15, 2016, Willie married Carolyn Lee (Stapp) Carpenter at the Open Door Church of God in Walters.

He was preceded in death by his father; a son, Wayne Welch; a brother, James Clark; and wife Marianne in 2015.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn of the home; his mother, Lorene Tyler of Lawton; a son Marc Snelling and wife Janet of San Diego, CA; 3 grandchildren, Paul and Cole Snelling and Jimmy Welch all of San Diego, CA; 3 stepdaughters and spouses, Courtney Martin and Ryan of Prague, OK, Miranda Smith and Jason of Meeker, OK, Ashley Lowrey and Scott of Watford City, ND; 2 brothers, Phillip Clark of Lawton, Jimmy Tanner and wife Shelly of Hastings, OK; 2 sisters Jeanette McClanahan and husband Dennis of Hastings and Ellen Sue Cobbs of Lawton; other relatives and a host of friends.