Joseph Welch

Joseph Joe Nelson Welch, lifelong resident of Ponca City, passed Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at his home. He was 92 years of age.

Joe was born December 2, 1920 in Ponca City, the son of Nelson Herbert Ted Welch and Eulailia Ida Pennock Welch. He attended Washington Grade School and Ponca City Jr. and Sr. High school, graduating in 1939. In 1939 he began employment with Welch Masonry Construction Company with his father and brothers and became a brick mason in 1940. He and his brothers became coowners of the company in 1963, continuing the tradition of providing superior masonry construction services to the northern Oklahoma area that was established by their grandfather prior to statehood. Joe was a master craftsman and was sought out by area builders and architects for his skill and dedication to delivering the very best masonry construction possible. Joes skills remain on display throughout the area in numerous residential and commercial buildings such as St. Marys Catholic Church, Centennial Plaza bricks, the library addition, First Baptist Church, 2nd addition to the Ponca City Hospital, Jewish Temple and several other still existing buildings. Joe was dedicated to the welfare of his employees and fellow construction workers and demonstrated this through his strong support of the bricklayers union local of which he remained a committed member.

Joe served his country in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945, serving in Italy and North Africa. Joe was recognized for his service during WW II by being awarded two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged from the Army on October 12, 1945. He was married to Lila Mae Stalman on March 18, 1949 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Ponca City. He is a longtime member of St. Marys Catholic Church, V.F.W., Military Order of the Cooties, Brick Mason and Allied Craftsman Association, former president and vicepresident of the Chikaskia Square Dance Club, and the Knights of Columbus where he obtained 4th Degree Knight Status. His enjoyments included the outdoors, boating on Kaw Lake, country and big band music, traveling, dancing, singing, and watching his family grow, providing many memorable 4th of July productions at the family home.

He is survived by his five children, Joseph Lee Welch and wife, Monica, of Jenks, Oklahoma, Beverly Phillips and husband, Gary, of Ponca City, Robert N. Welch and wife, Cindy, of Houston, Texas, Patricia Welch of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and William Leonard Welch of Ponca City ten grandchildren, Christina Whiles, Kellina Krebs, Kimberly Lewczak, Joseph Salim Welch, Robert Welch, Eric Welch, Jennifer Welch, Geoffrey Welch, Alicia Welch, William Welch nine great grandchildren, Alexis Whiles, Jory Sample, Hunter Krebs, Kendall Lewczak, Christopher Welch, Ella Welch, Lily Welch, Kaylie Welch and Luke Welch three brothers, Don Welch, Lloyd Welch and Leroy Welch one sister, Nila Larkins and one stepsister, Marilyn Cook numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Gods speed Dad, you were a fantastic husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all. You were a true christian even before you became a Catholic. We love you and will miss you, your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents his wife one brother, Allen Welch and one infant sister, Patricia Welch.

A Rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Grace Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2013 at St. Marys Catholic Church with Father Kevin Ratterman serving as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers will be grandsons, Michael Krebs, Joseph Welch, Robert Welch, Eric Welch, Geoffrey Welch and William Welch.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Marys Catholic Church, 707 East Ponca Ave., Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601 or to Disabled American Veterans Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 452500301.