John Kent Welch

John Kent Welch, 88, formerly of Nocona, passed from this earth Monday, April 27, 2026.

Graveside Service is 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur, TX. Pastor Chris Wann of Community Church will officiate the gathering.

John was born November 13, 1937 to Archie Blake “Blackie” Welch and Mable Veretto Welch Diehl in Bryson, TX. He was united in marriage on January 31, 1958, to Dolores June Whitley in Frederick, Oklahoma.

John began working when he was just 12 years old in a Nocona grocery store. He then moved to Wichita Falls and worked as a grocery produce manager while attending Midwestern University at night.

Opportunity presented itself when Earl White, President of White’s Home and Auto Stores discovered John’s sharp mind and strong work ethic. Mr. White urged John to come work at the White’s Corporate Office in Wichita Falls. He did just that, and eventually became an electronics buyer requiring extensive travel across the US and to Japan.

In 1988, John and his wife Dolores moved to Lewisville, TX where he worked for Ferguson Plumbing Supply selling kitchen and bath items to high-end home builders.

John will be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and kind soul to those who will miss him dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Dolores.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his daughter, Alicia Welch Harrison and husband Randall of Decatur, TX; grandchildren, Hannah Harrison Walters and husband Hunter of Madison, MS; Adam Harrison of Bellevue, WA, and Daniel Harrison and wife Bethany of Waco, TX; great-grandchildren, Russell, Nolan, and Georgia Harrison; siblings, Roy Diehl, Mary Diehl Craig, Lonnie Diehl, and Jimmy Diehl; and a host of beloved friends.