Jonathan Sprague Welles

Jonathan Sprague Welles

Ozona

Jonathan Sprague Welles, age 57, of Ozona, Texas died at his home on June 24, 2016. Jonathan was born on July 1, 1958 in New York City. Jonathan was the second child of Samuel Gardner Welles and his wife Margery Miller Welles, who were both career journalists at Time and Sports Illustrated magazines. Jonathan lived in Pelham, NY (a suburb of New York City) from infancy through high school graduation in 1976. He then attended Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, receiving a B.A. in English Literature in 1983. During a two-year gap in his studies, Jonathan hitchhiked to Dallas, Texas in January 1978 to work construction jobs and earn enough to continue his college education. He knew as soon as he came to Texas that this was where he wanted to be at home for the rest of his life. The friendliness, acceptance, and warmth of the Texas way of life were for him.

Jonathan attended the Southern Methodist University School of Law, earning a J.D. degree in 1988. He was engaged in the private practice of law in Dallas until 2003, when he moved his home and practice to Ozona. Jonathan enjoyed hunting and exploring his land in Ozona. The natural beauty around him never lost its wonder for him.

Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Sandy Welles of Austin, Texas; a sister and brother-in-law, Randolph and Grace (Welles) Knight of Perkinsville, Vermont; a niece, Donna Welles, of Washington, D.C.; and two nephews, Sturdivant Knight of Syracuse, New York and Abel Knight of Springfield, Vermont.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kerbow Funeral Home of Ozona. Calling hours will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5 at Kerbow Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at the 1st Baptist Church of Ozona. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the 1st Baptist Church of Ozona, West Texas Boys Ranch or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at kerbowfuneralhome.com.