Thomas E. Welch

Lafayette - Thomas “Tommy” E. Welch October 22, 1931 – February 19, 2022 Tommy, Dad, Pop, O’Pop, age 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at his son’s residence in Maurice, after a brief illness. Born in West Point, Arkansas, he attended Arkansas State University where he was a track star and where he met Patricia “Pat” Dodson. On a whim, during his second year in college he joined the Navy. After serving overseas, he and Pat married. They moved to Texas and Tommy finished his education at Texas A&M University; he majored in Petroleum Engineering. He had a very successful career in Oil Field related industries and retired in his 50’s. His second life was spent making up for the first. He and Pat enjoyed their trips to the races, Vegas and Indiana to visit their daughter and “the kids”. He loved gambling, blackjack being his game of choice, but more than anything, he LOVED his grandchildren. He loved: teaching them to drive…at 8 years old, how to play blackjack, making hot dog and Icee “runs”, spoiling them with treats, Saturday nights steaks and ribs and helping them eat ALL their vegetables so they could have a clean plate for dessert. Tommy loved sweets! Summers were spent at Red’s with early morning swim lessons by Pop. Oh, the memories he made. After Pat passed, he continued his trips to the races and casinos with his best friend Maurice, grandson Zack and son in law Nathan. He loved “going up North to see those grand babies”. He loved going to Maurice’s barbershop and bragging how his grandchildren called and visited regularly. Pop loved telling stories. We find great comfort and plenty of laughs retelling them now in our grief. We sure will miss our margarita drinking, “Hey Doll” calling, storytelling – “you just missed the elephants” – Pop, with his great smile, laugh and southern drawl. Tommy is survived by: daughter Jennifer Jo (Nathan) Milliman, son John T. (Milissa) Welch. Grandchildren: Sarah (James) O’Reilly, Richard (Kristin) Chamberlain, Jessica Chamberlain & Zack (Heather) Welch. Step grandchildren: Trey (Christine) Landry & Lainey Landry. Great Grandchildren: Christian, Landon & Elizabeth O’Reilly, Brynn & Brayden Chamberlain, Michael & Austin Dwyer, Lilly and Baby Welch (due in July). Step Great Grandchildren: Brandon, Claire & Sophia Landry and Marèt Kibodeaux. He was preceded in death by: wife Patricia Dodson Welch, parents Thomas Lee & Essie Weaver Welch, brother L.C. Sunny Welch and sister Hope Welch Spencer. Per Tommy’s wishes, he will be cremated and interred, with Pat. The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Acadiana for their care and compassion. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Acadiana. Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 West Lafayette St., Maurice, LA. 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of Cremation arrangements.

Thomas E. Welch

October 22, 1931 - February 19, 2022