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Darrell Welch Obituary
Col. Darrell G. Welch, USAF, age 96, passed away on January 13, 2015. He was born on March 13, 1918 in Mills County, TX, third child of Charles & Faye Lucas Welch.
From humble beginnings Darrell survived being thrown from a horse, a rattlesnake bite, diphtheria, a blow to the head with an ax and then he lost his mother by the age of 10. Raised with assistance from relatives he attended Midland High and UT at the height of the Depression. War clouds loomed and Darrell joined the Army Air Corps and became an Ace flying P-38s. He married his sweetheart Lucile Ragsdale before flying across the Atlantic in Operation Bolero and then Operation Torch-- the invasion of North Africa. He rose from 1st Lt to Major and took command of the 27th Fighter Squadron., receiving the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star. After the war he returned to UT to finish his degree in petroleum engineering, ultimately receiving an MBA. The Air Force called him back and after 30 years on active duty, he retired as a Col. in 1970. Two days later he began teaching management at San Antonio College for 10 years. He then volunteered for 25+ years at Northeast Baptist Hospital directing patients, rehabbing wheelchairs and spreading sunshine.
Darrell was a role model, proponent and underwriter for children, grandchildren and others pursuing an education. "D" won dozens of golf tournaments during a 62 year love affair with the game including 3 confirmed holes in one! He was known for his boundless sense of humor and ability to come up with the perfect joke or "shaggy dog" story for any occasion. He also loved the game of bridge. Through bridge he met his devoted wife Madeline following 67 years of marriage to Lucile. Together they traveled extensively, pursued fine dining and played games with their multitude of friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucile Welch; daughter, Deanna Christensen; and grandson, Michael Wesley Daggett.
Col. Welch is survived by his second wife, Madeline Welch; children, Darrell Welch Jr., Ginny Dameron & husband Mark and John R. Welch & wife Tomi; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; brother, Buster Welch; sisters, Nann McCoy and Beth Joy; and numerous other relatives.
Visitation- 5-8 pm, Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home.
Funeral - 9 am, Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home.
Graveside 10:15 am at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors.
Reception following at Ft. Sam Golf Club.
Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com .
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the charity of ones choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Welch
Liz Allen Spikes
February 2, 2015
Col. Was the first adult to ever take me serious. In our many meals together we discussed and cured many of the worlds problems. From day one I have always felt my last name was suppose to have been Welch. I will miss him but I know where he has gone so I hope to see him again. Love to all of you
Shanon Quinn
January 28, 2015
Col. Welch was a legendary hero and fine gentleman that we learned about long before ever getting to meet him face to face, just this past December. His brother, Buster Welch, was married to my mother's sister, Aunt Sheila. We had traveled from California to attend her own memorial services in Abilene. During our visit, it was a distinct pleasure to meet the distinguished Colonel as well as his kind and loving family. They all made us feel so welcome. I am so sorry for the loss that he family is experiencing and hoping that they are all doing as well as can be expected. We are especially thinking about Uncle Buster.
"They don't make 'em like him anymore", and the world was better for his presence in it.
Knowing a prayer for his soul and the comfort of all of the family.
The Quinn Boys: Shanon, Kevin and Sean
Darrell Welch and Dick Cole Feb 02, 2014
Bryan Miller
January 24, 2015
I met Darrell when I joined the Friends Of The American Fighter Aces some years ago. He was a wonderful man who graciously taught me some great history lessons over the years.
May God bless Darrell and all those that he loved.
Bryan D Miller
Suzan White
January 24, 2015
One of the best men I ever knew. I'm so lucky to have known him. Truly lucky. He was like a movie star. I loved him. The world will never be the same without him.
Bill Duvall
January 22, 2015
What a wonderful celebration of Col Welch's time here on earth. Wednesday night viewing & the services today at Sunset, burial at Ft Sam Natl cemetery & luncheon at Ft Sam's clubhouse were wonderful with even Col Welch's P-38 wingman from WWll giving us a first hand look at the things Darrell had done in WWll. I met Darrell & Madilyn several years ago at the Colonial Hills UMC Classics monthly luncheon. Having lunch with he and Madilyn we would tell our war stories about his WWll and me about VietNam. I was surprized to learn that Darrell Jr (Buckie) was flying forward air controller from the same Pleiku Air base RVN that I was flying. Small world! One night at the Classic's bridge game Darrell turned to me to make a comment on something there that cracked me up, but I can't mention here. It was indeed an honor to get to know Darrell & Madilyn's family over the last 24 hrs. Colonel, I salute you as you fly your highest flight. May your rightousness and goodness always strengthen your family as it has in the past.
MARILYN NALE
January 22, 2015
MR DARRELL, YOU WERE SO MUCH HELP TO ME AND EVERYONE AT NORTHEAST BAPTIST HOSPITAL. I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH YOU AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COURAGE DURING WAR TIMES. YU ARE A GREAT MAN. YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. GOD BE WITH YOU. YOU ARE FLYING WITH THE ANGELS NOW.
MARILYN NALE
MARILYN NALE
January 22, 2015
MR DARRELL, YOU WERE SUCH A BIG HELP TO ME AND ALL THE PEOPLE AT THE HOSPITAL. THIS WORLD WAS A BETTER PLACE WITH YOU IN IT. WE ALL THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COURAGE DURING THE WAR TIMES. YOU ARE A BLESSING. MY BUDDY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. NOW YOU ARE FLYING WITH THE ANGELS
MARILYN NALE NBH ADMISSIONS
mari
January 22, 2015
Sir I did not know you but I came across your orbituary.. You were an amazing man. RIP. You know have earned angel wings and have flown home. God bless your family and con=mfort them.
Russell Minor
January 21, 2015
What an incredible honor and privilege it was to call this wonderful gentleman my friend. I only met Darrell through Alamo Honor Flight a year and a half ago, but the special times we shared on that trip to Washington DC and at our monthly breakfast group will be forever etched in my memory. I am so very grateful that our paths crossed and will never forget that youthful zest for living, his infectious sense of humor and those highly anticipated jokes he laid on the breakfast boys . I will dearly miss my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his precious Madeline and the family during this difficult time.
January 21, 2015
Aunt Madeline,
David and I are thinking about you and sorry for your loss. We need to get together. We love you. Cathy and David
January 21, 2015
Ginny and all,
I just learned of D's death. Your loss is huge and so is the world's and all whom he knew. I so enjoyed your parents, and then D, while working at IWRC. Ginny, perhaps we can visit soon. I will not be able to make the service tomorrow due to illness, but will hold you all in my prayers and heart. Thank you for sharing D.
Susan T. Brotherman
January 21, 2015
Our Deepest sympathy to the Welch Family, our prayers to the family in the days to come..Dr Lala M Stawowy and Dr Carlos E Menendez and staff
Donna Guzman
January 21, 2015
Ginny,
I met your dad only a few times but he was an amazing man and live a full and rich life! He raised a wonderful daughter and loved you very much. I know you will miss him but take comfort in knowing he is forever soaring in the sky.
Darrell and I at our 2011 1st Fighter Assn. reunion
Randy Dodge
January 20, 2015
Col. Welch is an inspiration, and true hero to those of us who served in the 27th following his legacy. I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with him learning the true stories of the air war in WWII. He was always quick with a joke or a story, and I am grateful for all the time he took with me answering my questions. I salute you, sir. You are missed.
Randy "Mopar" Dodge
F-15A Crew Chief
27th Aircraft Maintenance Unit 1978-1980
January 20, 2015
Much love to your beautiful family. We were blessed and inspired as you so faithfully and lovingly kept watch with Darrell and as he made his end-of-life journey with courage, humour and gratitude. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Chaplain Julie Woody and all the staff at the Christus Sister Mary Hospice Center
Sr. Shirley Vaughn
January 19, 2015
On behalf of the residents and staff of The Village at Incarnate Word, I would like to extend our deep sympathy to Darrell's family. He was a regular visitor when Lu lived here for 8 years and he was always popular with other residents who appreciated his stories and jokes. May God grant all of you peace and strength at this difficult time.
Bennett Stampes
January 19, 2015
I did not know Colonel Welch but just know that he is flying higher than he ever thought possible. I am a "red" shirt and forever he really flies now.
God is in control HE IS REAL I am sure of it.
Condolence is offered to the Welch family.
Bennett Stampes
Roberta J Allen
January 19, 2015
My thoughts & prayers are with you Ginny & your family! Col. Welch was & always will be an iconic person to me. Keep the memories close to your hearts & he will live there forever!
Veyas con dios
January 19, 2015
We render a genuine condolence to the Welch families. We only knew Darrell in the last ten plus years of his life here on earth; we cherish the memories that will live with us forever.
Col (USAF, Ret.) Howard & Margaret Ham
San Antonio, TX
Pete Marty
January 19, 2015
I speak for all the members of the 1st Fighter Association in sending our sympathy to the Welch Family. Darrell was a true American Hero, one of the greatest of the Great Generation. We are forever thankful for his service and for his support of the Association.
The Association has donated to the 1st Fighter Wing F-15 Static Fund in Darrell's memory.
Michael Robison
January 18, 2015
I count it one of the great privileges of my life to have known Col. Welch. I had the pleasure of eating lunch with him on many Wednesdays for twelve years at Northeast Baptist Hospital where he volunteered. I even had the pleasure of playing golf with him once. Darrell always had an intriguing story, a funny joke, and a glimmer of joy in his eye. He was a delight to know. I salute you, Col. Welch. God's blessings on your family.
Oscar Martinez
January 18, 2015
My condolences. DG was a true professional: honest, outstanding military man, raised a great family, a great golfer, and typical Longhorn.
Janine Iannarelli
January 18, 2015
My condolences and deepest sympathies. Darrell was a fine man and I was honored to have met him. Blue skies and tailwinds.
Clark Wilson
January 17, 2015
We in the "Red Shirts" were privileged to get to know Col Darrell as a member of the Air Alamo Honor Flight Organization that made air travel to Washington, D.C. to visit World War II memorials. He was a genuine friend and we are honored to call him FRIEND.
Jenny Oosterlinck
January 17, 2015
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies with you and your family.
Eric and Jenny
Zele-Belgium
January 16, 2015
Darrell was a wonderful, caring cousin who served as a courageous example to all of us. Our prayers are with you all on his passing. Our love, Myrna Loy (Ray) and Bill Taylor
Jo Ann Beckley
January 16, 2015
Madeline and Welch Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am glad to have known Darrell.
Madeline's Cousin
Bobbie Gardner
January 15, 2015
I was saddened to hear the news of Darrell's passing. Please take comfort in knowing he will always be with you in your heart and memories. May God bless you at this time in your life and always.
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