Tedford Gray Welch

Sulphur Springs — Tedford Gray Welch passed away at his home on March 28, 2024 with his family lovingly by his side.

Ted was born in Hobbs, New Mexico, on March 12, 1947. He was the youngest of the three chil-dren of Myrle and Doris Welch. Ted began elementary school in Denver City before moving to Seminole in 1956. He graduated from Seminole High School in 1965. Athletic and competitive, Ted played four years of baseball and basketball for the Indians ultimately earning a basketball scholarship to Wayland Baptist University. After graduation from Wayland in 1970, Ted spent the first three years of his working career as a teacher and coach in Perrin. Later, he worked 13 years for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles in both Abilene and Lubbock. In January of 1987, the family moved to Denver City, where Ted became the Yoakum County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer. He continued in that role until his retirement in April of 2005. In Yoakum County, Ted began channeling his competitive juices into golf and poker, two lifelong passions that led to a great many friends at courses and casinos all across the country.

Ted married Linda in April of 2004 and moved to Sulphur Springs shortly after retirement. Together they enjoyed traveling, working in the yard, and hosting family and friends. Ted took great pride in his grandchildren, always looking forward to watching the next ballgame or hearing about their latest adventures.

Ted is survived by his wife Linda, sisters Nita White and Bette Saylor (Kenneth), son Wesley Welch (Nicole), daughters Angela Gillmore (Jeff) and Lindsay Welch, stepsons Josh Payne (Trisha) and Darrell Payne (Jaca) and grandchildren Riley and Ayden (Wesley), Hunter, Avery, Grey, Sloane, Emerson, Owen, and Jeffrey (Angela), Luke and Finley (Lindsay), MiKayla and Taylor (Josh), and Kelsey and Zach (Darrell).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (tlls.org).