First thing you should know is that my Dad was a CHRISTian man, he would testify to the love of GOD to anyone that would listen. Also, he was like a BULL IN A CHINA CABINET, he could do so much that he assumed he could do anything, well the undertow at the South Padre Island beach seen it differently, he was sucked under by a current and drowned in front of his son and granddaughter. He was the son of loving parents, Howard E and Rosa M (Sheldon) Welch. Dad was a man that gave and expected respect. Dad felt it was important for his children to know both sides of things so that they could make up their own minds. Dad served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He lived in Michigan most of his life, but retired to Texas. my Dad had a work ethic that any boss would have admired, the only time he missed work was when I was a teenager, he had been in a bad accident at work, leaving him with a broken jaw, broken arm(in 3 places)& many leg fractures, truth be told while he was recuperating he built my mother a very large wall unit. He never liked to sit if something needed to be done. He and mom raised 6 children. Dad was a very gentle GODly man that was and still is an inspiration to many. Mom (Patricia Ann (Sheedy) Welch) requested her ashes be scattered over his grave. Dad was the proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren (and 2 on the way at his death). He was the grandpa, uncle and friend that gave out shiny half dollars just to see the glee in the child's eyes. When you were frightened or hurt, his big warm hugs would make you feel as safe as a baby. He loved life, he loved to travel, he enjoyed fishing and hunting when he could find the time, Dad enjoyed the holidays more than most children, and of course he enjoyed photography. Yep, he even loved pets.