Ashton Welch

Ashton Lawrence Welch, 18, life-long resident of Canon City has gone to be with our Loving Savior, Jesus Christ. Ashton tragically passed away on 11/15/2022, after having been struck by a drunk driver in Pueblo, Colorado. Ashton was born to Martin C Welch and Shawnda L Welch on 03/25/2004, the day after his mother's birthday, in Canon City, CO, in our home at that time on 111 W Stanley Ave. He was the youngest of three sons. Ashton was lovingly home-schooled by his mother, until entering Middle School at Mountain View Core Knowledge School. One of the many highlights of his time there was his performance in the talent show, in which he composed and DJ'd an entirely original electronic music set. He attended and graduated in 2022 from Canon City High School. While attending CCHS, Ashton performed in Encore during his Sophomore year, and was a Capstone project finalist for his clothing company SickAMok1. For his company, Ashton conceived daring and impactful designs, many of which were meant to convey the mental challenges and emotional trauma his generation had to navigate during the COVID-19 pandemic. He intended a portion of all profits from this company to be donated to suicide prevention programs, because of the struggles he saw in his peers and his desire to help those who were suffering from isolation and depression. Upon graduation, Ashton was also placed on the Pueblo Community College Dean's List for college credit earned during High School. Ashton was dedicated in and attended Living Stone Calvary Chapel, where he served faithfully in the Audio/Visual ministry for many years, and was baptized on 08/08/2020 in the Arkansas River. He had a deeply personal faith, most often expressed in his humility, care for others, and willingness to listen, to smile, and put others' needs and feelings above his own. Ashton worked for a number of local businesses including Dare Print and Design and Guest Nav who both graciously served as his mentors during his Capstone preparation. During this time, Ashton learned many valuable skills from Erica Haferkamp and Bryan Bassett, including graphic design, web design, and online marketing. Other places of employment included Subway, the Royal Gorge Bridge, and most recently Wal-Mart where he was working undercover in Asset Protection, a job he truly enjoyed and excelled at. He was also studying to obtain his Real Estate Agent Sales License, for the state of Arizona, where he hoped to eventually move. Ashton's warm heart, sweet spirit, and endearing smile were legend. He was always eager to listen, to talk to those who were lonely, and to help those in need. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and pets, and expressed his love easily. His many passions included snowboarding, art and design, skateboarding, travel, music, and especially fashion. He was equally at home in the mountains or on the beach, delighted in new experiences and places, and while he had a hunger for adventure, was also perfectly content to spend time at home with Mom and his big, beloved Siamese cat Gigi. Ashton is survived by his parents Martin and Shawnda Welch, brothers Kory Pacheco and Blake Welch, aunt and uncle Jennifer and Eric Engberson, cousins Drew and Grant Engberson, aunt Marni Greer, aunt and uncle Kevin and Kendra Miksch, grandparents Vernon and Candy Thompson, grandmother Sharon Greer, grandfather Ed Greer, and so many others whom he knew and loved. A Celebration of Life service will be on 12/03/2022 at 10:30am the Evangelical Free Church in Canon City, CO. There will be a reception at the Bridge Youth Center at 310 Main St in Canon City, immediately following, till 2:30pm. For details, please contact Living Stone Calvary Chapel at 719.276.0863. Harwood Funeral Home in Canon City will be handling certain arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ashton's name to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), or the charity of your choice.