Harlan R. "Ronnie" Welch

Harlan R. (Ronnie) Welch passed away on November 6, 2016 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo. Ronnie was born in Temple, Texas to Tully and Eunice Welch on July 28, 1942. He graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1961 and joined the Marine Corps soon after, serving in Japan and Korea before earning an honorable discharge shortly before the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following that he returned to San Angelo and joined the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, serving 20 years in fisheries management before moving to MHMR until retirement. Ronnie is survived by his mother Eunice Welch, his son Tim Welch and grandsons Ethan and Trent Welch of San Angelo, his sister Karen Tims and Joe Alford of San Angelo, niece Tammy Gully of San Angelo and great nephews Layton and Ryan Gully,, nephew Kevin Tims and Rachel Tims of Celina, great niece and nephew Samantha Tims, and Austin Tims of Celina. Ronnie was an avid fisherman and liked nothing better than to “set out lines” with his friends and grandsons. He enjoyed having fish fries, cooking brisket, and frying turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If it involved family and his many friends Ronnie was ready to go. If it involved the grandchildren, nephews, and niece he was the first one there. Ronnie had numerous friends including Bill and Ann Follis, Gene and Iris Warren, James and Caroline Williams, and Roger Hagood, lifelong friend and fellow Marine to name a few. He missed working with his MHMR family but maintained contact with them after retirement. Ronnie busied himself with home improvement projects, trying to spoil his grandkids, and looking after his mother. A visitation was held from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at Harper Funeral Home. The Graveside Service will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Jim Benson officiating. A reception will follow the service at 3702 Mariner Terrace in San Angelo, TX, 76903. Arrangements are by Harper Funeral Home. Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.