Gary David Welch

The family of Gary David Welch will celebrate his life of 73 years at 10:00 am on Friday, August 21, 2020, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. The family will host a time of fellowship and remembrance from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers.  He passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2020. In support of the health of his family, face coverings are mandatory while attending the service and visitation.  The service will be live-streamed and be available for thirty days on this page. You are encouraged to sign the virtual guestbook and share memories and expressions of sympathy by selecting the icon.Gary was born on December 23, 1946, in Littlefield, Texas.  The youngest of three children, he grew up near Enochs, working on the farm and graduated from Three Way High School. Gary went on to honorably serve in the Navy during the Vietnam War and served on the USS Ranger and USS Bon Homme Richard.  He met and married Jonny Blake upon returning from Vietnam and went on to have two children, Cory and Ransley. Jonny preceded him in death in 2007.  He then married Barbara Beaver in 2012. Gary enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, and hunting and especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren Noah, Brodie, and Freya.  In the fall of 2019, he took part in the South Plains Honor Flight and toured Washington, D.C., with a group of veterans and was accompanied by his son Cory which was an experience of a lifetime. He passed as would have wanted, on a visit to his childhood home.Survivors include his wife, Barbara Welch; brother, Bill Welch; son, Cory (Yvonne) Welch; daughter, Ransley (Jamin) Eberhart; three grandchildren, Noah Eberhart, Freya Eberhart, Brodie Welch.He was preceded in death by his father, William Letcher Welch; mother, Mildred Frances Welch; sister, Karen Gobble; and first wife, Jonny Welch.