Tom Owen Welch's Obituary
Tom Owen Welch peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on December 16, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born on June 18, 1945, to Willis Owen Welch and Grace Buchanan Welch. Tom had a brother, Gary, and a sister, Nell.
Tom graduated from Canton High School before serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. He once shared how he helped several fellow wounded soldiers to a helicopter transport. As he was about to go back and help others, he was shot and was pulled into the helicopter. This act of heroism earned him The Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
Tom married his beloved spouse Glenda on March 28, 1987. Instantly, he became “Dad” to her 2 children, Michael and Bridget. Tom walked Bridget down the aisle to marry her husband, Carl Byers. Tom was proud to be called Pawpaw by his grandchildren: Allen, his wife Gladys, and Abigail. Additionally, Tom has a son: Chris, his wife Angela, and daughter: Rachel. Tom also has a dog named Daisy.
Tom retired from a long welding career with Mosier. He helped weld parts of the Reunion Tower and the Dallas Stadium
Tom treasured his time with his grandkids, Allen and Abigail. Abigail cherishes the “Cross” he made for her, and he got Allen into motorcycles.
Tom loved to fish, play guitar, wood working, knitting, and riding his motorcycle.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda, and son, Michael. He is survived by his daughter, Bridget and her husband Carl Byers; his son, Chris and his wife Angela; Allen and Gladys, his grandson and granddaughter-in-law; and Abigail, his granddaughter. and his daughter Rachel.
On January 2, come celebrate Tom’s life with his family during the 1:00 pm visitation at Restland Funeral Home - Wildwood Chapel in Dallas; and the Funeral Service will follow at gravesite “Court of Veterans 4”.
Donations to Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, TX would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.
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