Obituary for Michael Welch

Michael L. Welch

July 2, 1950 – September 6, 2018

Michael Lawrence Welch lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City, Ok.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects on Monday, September 10, from 5-8PM and Tuesday, September 11, from 8am-8pm with the family present to greet friends from 5-6pm at the funeral home. A funeral ceremony to gratefully celebrate his life will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in the chapel at Trout Funeral Home. Following the ceremony, Michael will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Michael L. Welch was born on July 2, 1950 to Orville Sylvester (Skee) Welch and Katheryn Opal Bailey Welch. Michael grew up and received his education in Blackwell, OK, attending Washington Elementary, Blackwell Middle School and Blackwell High School, graduating in 1968. He was very proud to participate on the livestock, soil, and meat judging teams with the Blackwell FFA.

Michael and Jaretta Thomas were married in January, 1971. To this union, one daughter, Brandy Welch, was born. Michael was married to Mary Kline in June, 1986. Michael and Natalie McCoy were united in marriage in October, 2005.

Michael is survived by his spouse, Natalie, of the home, daughters, Brandy Welch of Ponca City, Meghan Stafford and husband, Brad Stafford of Ponca City and grandchildren Breleigh Welch and Gunnar Stafford of Ponca City; Brother, Randy Welch and wife, Delores Welch of Edmond, OK; niece Stephanie Owens and husband, Mark Owens of Wichita, KS and their two children.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Orville A. and Vesta Welch, and Issac G. and Effie Bailey, two brothers, Raymond and Paul Welch, one sister Mary Beth Welch, and wife, Mary Kline.

Michael was raised on the family farm west of Blackwell. He worked many different jobs including Blackwell Smelter from 1968-1973; OICC of Blackwell for 7-8 years; he worked in construction around Blackwell and at OG & E Sooner Plant. Michael retired from Kay County District #3 in 2007 due to health issues after 24 years of service. Michael was proud of completing Auctioneer School in 1984 and operated his own auction service from 1985-2004. In 1985, he obtained his Oklahoma Real Estate License and began working for JB Smith in Ponca City, later transferring his license to Oklahoma Real Estate working for Robert O. Whitlock after Mr. Smith sold his business. Michael continued to work as Office Manager for Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock at North Country MHP. Michael being the workaholic he was would not slow down even after his retirement from Kay County District #3 in 2007. Michael and Natalie formed Vesta V. Miller, Inc. Process Service in 2013 after being given an established processing service from Irene Czaplinski upon her retirement in 2009. Michael continued to work as Office manager at North Country MHP and his process service until his death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to help with the education expenses of Michael’s grandchildren may be made to the Michael Welch Memorial Fund c/o Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home