Joseph Murray Welling

JOSEPH MURRAY WELLING, 68, died August 24th from heart failure. Joe was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma August 4, 1940 and lived there until moving to Houston in 1990. He is survived by the love of his life of 50 years, Freda Chandler Welling; son and daughter-in-law Chad and Karen Welling; son Shawn Welling; daughter and son-in-law Kerry and Mike Stovall; daughter Gigi Hill; grandchildren Taylor Welling 22, Parker Welling 20, Chandler Welling 17, Annie Welling 12, Tib Stovall 12, Joseph Stovall 7, Griffin Hill 11 and Ian Hill 10, and nephew Jeremy Welling 16. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Randall Welling, mother Coreta Richards Welling, and brother Randall Welling. Joe was founder and President of Welling & Company since 1971. The firm is considered by many to be the premiere market research consulting firm in the energy industry, worldwide, with offices in Houston and London. He has served as adjunct professor and guest lecturer in the field of market research at a number of prominent universities. Throughout his life, he served in many church and youth organizations and ministries, such as YoungLife and Brush Creek Ranch, and advisory boards and committees, including Memorial Healthcare Systems in Houston, TX. He was a former University of Tulsa Alumni Association president, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and remained active in Tulsa's Will Rogers High School Class of `58. Joe was a one-time professional musician, a talent and passion that he passed to his children and grandchildren. He performed and worked with a number of prominent recording artists such as The Carpenters, Leon Russell, David Gates (of Bread), and Roy Clark, but may be best known as the leader of the popular dance band, "The Natural Brass",. At the time of his death Joe was producing a movie based on the life of jazz icon Louis Armstrong and had finished his soon-to-be-published memoirs, "Can You Spit Across the Street?" about his life as a boy growing up in Middle America during the 40's and 50's. He will be deeply missed, remembered by his warm smile, dry, witty sense of humor, tremendous generosity to anyone in need, and his commitment and love for his wife, children, and friends. He had a fullness of life that always included a party with family, friends, lots of laughter and a plate of Texas BBQ. His family feels immensely blessed to have been given time on earth with him, as a husband, father, "Pops" and friend. He leaves a tremendous legacy of compassion, creativity and generosity. He knew His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his spirit is at rest now with Him. Memorial services will be held Friday, September 5th at 10:30 am at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 8300 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024 - just west of Wirt Road. Services will also be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma the last weekend in September. Please check joewelling.legacy.com for any last minute weather related changes or to leave comments..