Joel “Critter” Welch was born to Beverly Harper September 28, 1980 in Brownwood, TX. He was called home September 4, 2015 at the age of 34. Critter was a fighter from the time he came into this world and never stopped fighting.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2015, at the family residence at 9245 Wannabe Rd., Bryan, TX 77808. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory.
After graduating Bryan High School, Class of 2000 he became a supporting member and firefighter for Brazos County Precinct 3 VFD. On October 1, 2011 he married the love of his life Paula, not only gaining a wife but also a beautiful daughter, Alicia. He could often be found singing karaoke around Bryan/College Station. He was an upstanding member of Cedar Creek Lodge # 300.
Joel was preceded in death by Grandmother Barbara Groom, Grandfather H.L. Font, Grandfather Joe Welch, and Uncle June Welch. Joel leaves behind a wife, Paula Welch and daughter Alicia York of Bryan, TX, Mother Beverly Harper of Bryan, TX, Sister Cassie Welch of Fort Worth, TX, Aunt Jennifer Olexey of College Station, TX, Uncle Thomas Font of Denver, CO, Aunt Rhonda Zabaroski of Osprey, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
For more information contact[wpseo_address show_state=”1″ show_country=”1″ show_phone=”1″ show_phone_2=”0″ show_fax=”1″ show_email=”1″]
Paula and Alicia,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and Hugs from both of us.
My heart goes out to you And family. I can’t imagine losing a child. So please feel free to call if needed. Doug and I offer our condolences. Love connie
I don’t know Joel personally but I do know his Aunt Rhonda and his mom Beverly from years ago. I stay in touch with Rhonda who has kept me updated throughout his illness. He was always in my prayers, the family too. My sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. May God be with each of you through this sad time.
Paula, his beautiful daughter Alicia and loving mother. Allen and I have yall in our thoughts and prayers, our hearts go out to all of you in your yalls time of need and we hated to hear of your loss. Critters is and was an amazing friend and person and now he is a beautiful angel who will watch over you all everyday. I am a blessed person to have met him
My sincerest condolences and deepest love to Paula and the rest of the family. U guys are in my prayers.
Paula & Alicia,
I’m so sorry to hear about Joey. He had a heart of gold and I am proud to call him my nephew. My families prayers are with you all and we are believing for strength and courage in the time to come.
Sweet Paula– I’m so sorry for your loss. We’ll be remembering y’all in our prayers.
To the Harper and Welch Families: our deepest sympathies to all of the family. Joey will be missed greatly by others than knew him. His fight was short but he was big in stature. He was a husband, father, son, uncle, nephew and friend. He is now soaring high in the clouds with his silly smile looking down on us here on earth. God has him now and we still have him in our hearts. Be safe Joey and we will not say Goodbye but see you later.
Joey was dear to my heart, such a sweet person who would do anything for you. He was kind, upstanding and honest. He never let me down nor did he ever disrespect me. He was always the perfect gentleman and did the best with what he had. He was a good person, friend and I consider a member of my family. I will miss him greatly and I don’t know how to express how I feel. I’ve never experienced a loss so extreme. I love Joey just as if he were my own son. I know Beverly must be having a tremendous time of it because I can’t even begin to understand her loss. I just know without him, the world is a lonely place. I love you Joey Welch and I respect you for the fine young man you were. I am sorry life took such and awful turn for you, and I am sorry for those you’ve had to leave behind. But I know the Angels in Heaven are rejoicing because they can hear you sing.
Many years have passed that we didn’t cross paths. But Critter was always a great person. He had a big heart and sweet personality. A beautiful voice that we will all remember. Couldn’t ask for a better friend to hang out with. He will be singing in heaven for a new choir. And watching over his family. Happy to know that his last time on earth was with someone he truly loved and cherished. Prayers for them during this time. May God wrap his arms around you and your daughter and bring you peace. Just know that you filled his life with joy and happiness Paula.
My prayers go out to all of you. Y’all are all so amazing and I pray everyday for all of you. I miss sweet Critter everyday and am here for you guys. Sending my love!
Love y’all,
Hillary
My prayers go out to all this mans family.
Critter may have not been my real dad, but he sure acted like it and he was to me. I love and miss him dearly and he will always be in my heart no matter what. He is the best step dad you could ever ask for. I´m just like him even though I´m not his blood.