Charles Welch

Charles Edward Welch, affectionately known as "Chuck," passed away on January 3, 2025, in Peyton, Colorado. Born on April 1, 1937, in Sweetwater, Oklahoma, he was one of twelve siblings-six brothers and six sisters-born to Elgia and Mae Welch.

After graduating high school Chuck worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma and Texas for three years. He followed the rodeo circuit on weekends and was a formidable bull and bronc rider. Growing tired of the oil field, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1959 and became stationed at Camp Pendleton for the next 54 months. His tour of duty was extended due to the Bay of Pigs conflict. His time in the Marines was enhanced when he became a member of the Marine Corps rodeo team. After the leaving the military in 1963, he continued to rodeo for the next seventeen years. For fifteen of those, he was also a judge and took special pleasure in judging children's rodeo events.

In 1975, Chuck moved his family from the Oklahoma panhandle, to cattle ranch in Huerfano County, Colorado. After running a successful cattle business for several years, the family moved to Raton, New Mexico where Chuck and his wife purchased and operated a feed store next to the La Mesa Park horse racing track.

Never one to stay in one place or in one career for too long, Chuck and the family picked up stakes one more time to move to Peyton, Colorado. Chuck worked in multiple different fields which suited his jack-of-trades personality. When he retired at the age of 72, he was driving a semi for Transit Mix.

Chuck embodied grit, determination, and a fearless spirit. He faced life's challenges with unwavering resolve, refusing to be out-fought, out-ridden, or out-worked. Even in adversity, his candid humor shone through; upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, he quipped, "Well, I always thought I'd die doing something stupid, not something like this." Chuck's authenticity and strength left an enduring impression on all who knew him.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Susie, Debra, Clay, Leslie, and Laurie; his daughter-in-law Trish; his grandchildren Meaghan, Kaitlin, Bryan, Paul, Brittany, Matthew, and Chandler; nine great-grandchildren; his sisters Betty, Hazel, Shirley, and Joy; his brother Ray; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Chuck's wishes, no formal services will be held. The family kindly requests that donations be made in his name to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care in Colorado Springs (https://pikespeakhospice.org/) in lieu of services, cards, or flowers.

Chuck's legacy of strength, independence, and unyielding spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory bring comfort to all who loved him.

Horseman, pass by.