Gordon Andrew Welch, 64, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on July 31, 2023, in Center, Texas. He was born on October 26, 1958, in Dallas, Texas, to James Bird Welch and Sarah Judith (Sobert) Welch.

The Welches raised their boys with love, discipline, and an exceptional work ethic, which Gordon lived by his entire life. He was a man of few words, but what he did say was always honest and sincere. He enjoyed time in the outdoors, deer hunting in the fall and crappie fishing in the spring.

Gordon loved working with his hands, particularly with wood, and took great pleasure in the finished product of hours of meticulous craftsmanship. That attention to detail is best reflected in the wood finishes throughout the home he shared with his wife Debbie for thirty-five years. There, they raised a daughter, Lanie, who is her father’s daughter in every best sense of the word. When the time came, they welcomed into the family a son-in-law, Ryan, who Gordon loved, respected, and trusted completely to care for Lanie.

He accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Clever Creek Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and in service to the Sunday School department and various committees. At the time of his death, he was a member of First Baptist Church in Center, where he attended the Andrew Class.

Gordon worked as Lead Area Service Technician – First Class Lineman for Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative, where he had been employed for almost 45 years. He cared about the men and women he worked with and about the people he served every day.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Kennon Welch, of Shelbyville Daughter, Lanie Welch Fitzgerald and Ryan of Levelland, TX  Brother, Roy Welch of Shelbyville

He was preceded in death by his parents, James B. Welch and Judy Welch, and brothers James Nathan Welch and Norman Boyd Welch.

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 10AM with Dr. Tim Watson and Bro. Teddy Hopkins officiating. Interment will follow at Clever Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 6-8 PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Pallbearers serving will be Johnny Brinson, Rick Foehner, John Kennon, Tommy Lee, Spencer McFarland, and Thomas Swearengen.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net . Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.