I can run and not grow weary, I can leap and not grow faint. It’s heaven!
Barney was born in Hico, Texas and grew up in Stephenville. He graduated from Texas A&M where he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He was a World War II veteran, having fought in the European theater.
He was involved in athletics most of his life. Barney was the long time director of Intramurals at A&M. He was the only person in the Southwest Conference to be a football player, coach and official.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Porter Welch and his son, Frank.
Barney is survived by his son, Russell Welch and wife Isabel of Denton. Also his daughter, Lynda Black and husband Jerry of College Station. He has one sister, Lyndol Braunig of San Antonio. There are 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters along with 7 great grandchildren.
A graveside service is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the College Station Cemetery. There will be no visitation prior to burial.
Memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or Traditions Hospice in College Station.
Barney was our sons (two) tennis coach in the 70’s. Delightful person. Caring individual. Role model. I ‘m glad they got to know him. RIP.
My precious Grandpa, I’m so grateful and blessed to have had you as a grandpa and to have been your granddaughter. You were a constant in my life. You taught and gave me so much that I greatly appreciate and treasure! I love you so very much and I have precious memories that I will call on often for the rest of my life. I have comfort knowing that you are with the Lord and are no longer in pain and I know there will be a day when I will see you again. Thank you for being my hero.
sorry t0 hear about your dad Russell
After Memorial Stadium was dedicated in Austin in 1926, the Aggies went 16 years without scoring a touchdown in that stadium. In 1942, Barney Welch returned a punt, untouched, in the fourth quarter to become the first Aggie to ever score a touchdown in Memorial Stadium. The Aggies had to wait until 1956 to defeat the Longhorns in Austin.
Barney played a key role in the history of A&M football history and was dearly loved by all who knew him.
Jerry Cooper ’63
Editor – The Texas Aggie 1971-2002
What a great memorial, Jerry, for a truly great man. Anne Boykin
I was saddened to hear of this news. My father spoke so fondly of Barney over the years. He was 5 yrs older than my dad, but he said Barney always let him play with my Uncle Ben and the rest of the older boys when they were kids. My dad looked up to Barney, not only because of his athletic prowess, but because of the type of person Barney was. In fact, he had such a profound influence on my dad, that he named me after him. In fact, when I was a little kid, Barney used to mail me post cards on my birthday that had Corps Cadet figure on wishing me a happy birthday.
My dad, now 87, is in stage 4 Parkinsons and is dealing with the symptoms that is typical for that disease – which includes dementia. I decided to tell him that Barney passed, and he came into perfect clarity and was asking many engaging questions as to how old he was, and if Sissy was ok, and his wife. For him to snap out of his dementia like that spoke volumes of his love and respect for Barney.
God Bless you, Barney – for all the positive influences you had, not only on my dad, but all the others that were fortunate to have come across you path, during your well-lived life! Rest in peace.
Barney McCollum
To Russ and entire family…
I had the pleasure of knowing Barney as a youngster, watching him officiate as an adult, and then running into him at a retail business in DFW maybe 12 or 15 years ago after he retired. What a delightful and gracious man always. A life well lived, and someone of whom you can be very, very proud. Godspeed.
Barney was our 6th grade Sunday School teacher and really made it interesting. What a gift of his own time to do that. Our condolences to you Russell.
Sayed and Judy
Cant say I knew barney well but always respected what I did know. Always respectful, cordial, caring toward me. Certainly, Russell got everything positive available from both mom and dad. So sorry. John stark
Lynda & Russell
We are so sorry to hear of Barney’s passing. He was such a loving a happy man. He had a smile for everyone and was a great man. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I know my parents, Bill and Yvonne Way were there to greet him when he entered the pearly gates. I have not seen Barney in many years, but I always knew how much my parents and grandparents (Wade and Opal Holley) admired and loved him. Prayers for all of you in this difficult time.
Russell, I want you to know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We have lost an outstanding coach and even a better man. Came to know Coach Welch in 1969 having been recruited to play at A&M. This was a time when really fine men, leaders, and coaches were a premium. Coach Welch was certainly all of the aforementioned. I can tell all he touched many, many of us, and that he was truly an example, a standard to be met for all of us who left A&M and became coaches. Coach Welch’s memory will live on in all of us, I know heaven is a better place today……………………………
Dear Russell –
So sorry to hear of your dad’s death … he was a true gentleman who represented the very best of campus competition and cooperation … Jim Baldauf
Lynda, I am so sorry to hear about you dad. He was a fixture around A&M for many years. May he rest in peace. Love you…Dianne
Russel
So sorry to hear about your father. My sister,Suzanne, and I sent out deepest condolences.
Barney was a classmate of my father at A&M, so they left school at about the same time to go to war, returning to school after WWII was over. When we lived in Kansas, he sent me in the summer of 1964 to Kanakuk Kamp, mostly because Barney was instrumental in running it. I benefitted personally from Barney’s humor, mentorship, and great character. As a student at A&M over three years later, I followed Barney’s work and activities with interest, and in the subsequent 42 years since I left school, I always enjoyed seeing him at Aggie athletic events whenever I came back to campus. He lived a long and fruitful life, and I am privileged to have known him.
Randy Durham ’71, Lt Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Kanakuk Camper, 1964
College Station
First met Barney in Stephenville and later knew him at A&M and after leaving Vet School there. He was a good man and true friend to me and my brothers, Phil, Jack, and Lynn and children who attended A&M. Will be looking forward to our next meeting. Condolences to his family who I know have enjoyed being part of his family. Gig ’em Barney. Monte Swatzell, Cleburne
The best to the two of you, Russell and Isabel, certainly it’s never easy, he was very important to us at the hospital when frank had his stroke, so glad c/s was a small town to grow up in. Cheers from Lane and Jan/ Kim and Allen
Pauline,
My sincere condolences to you. Although I don’t see your name listed here, I know you took great effort as a wife and caregiver for Barney these last many years. My thoughts are with you.
I am very sorry to hear that Barney passed. I went to school with Barney. We were on the Stephenville football team. At that time we had about 13 boys that were good enough to play. Barny was one of them. I was to small to play. I just got to practice. Back then the boys played both ways. Offence and defence. We had 2 subs. I am now 95 and counting. There are not many of the team we played with who are alive. I am really proud to have been one of Barneys friends and I will miss him.
J.B. Rogers
Class of 1939
Stephenville High School
Barney was the best. He treated my kids as his own and always gave of himself. I could listen and talk with him for hours and I did. He shared his stories of General Patton and Battle of the Bulge to the many SWC games he refereed. He was so humble and taught us all how to make friends and greet everyone no matter what.
The first time I met him he sat us down and gave his testimony on accepting Jesus in his heart. He then told of his intentions to marry Pauline. I was blessed to be able to watch him love Pauline and enjoy life with her. The last time I saw him, I told him how much I loved him.
We will all miss Barney very much. I already do. Barry
I had many occasions to interact with Barney during my time on campus. He was as hung ho as any Aggie I’ve ever known, and an inspirational one too! He loved working with students. He will be missed by many whose lives he touched.
God bless a great American!
Mark Riser ‘ 71
Barney Welch was a great Christian man, a great American, and a great Fightin’ Texas Aggie. I can barely imagine the number of lives he touched over the years. I’m a better man for knowing him. I will continue to tell people about him. He will be greatly missed.
Barney was a kind and giving man. He and Pauline opened their home to us many times and I appreciated their hospitality as well as their Godly example to our three children. I am thankful to have known Barney and I am praying for comfort and encouragement for Pauline during this time.
Sissy,
I’m so sorry that Barney has died.
My family and I were blessed to have known him.
In fact, he even worked for my grandfather, many years ago.
I’ll try to find your address.
I hope you are doing well.
Sam
San Antonio
We are proud to have known such a fine man as Barney Welch. He served his country and Texas A&M University well. Pauline and Barney have been so kind to us and our children over the years. We fondly remember the visits to their house and their kind hospitality. Thank you Barney and Pauline for your fine example and reflecting Christ’s love in your lives.
Although I didn’t know Barney as long as some others, he always treated me with an abundance of kindness! He was a wonderful Christian man and loved his Pauline so very much. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!
Last night I used a step stool Barney made for us years ago. It reminded me that Barney made many people step up to higher goals and places. It was a blessing to know such a man.
We love you, Pauline, and will continue to hold you in our prayers.
Russell and family,
I just learned of Barney’s passing. He was always a background presence in my College Station years, and especially those years I worked at Kanakuk. I’m sorry for your loss and am thinking of you.
Barney was a Southwest Conference official and an insurance agent when I met him in 1965 and 1966, my junior and senior year. I knew him as great Aggie and friend whom I will never forget. He touched the lives of many of my classmates as well as many others before and after.
May he rest in peace and now he is with our Lord and Savior to watch over us until we join him
In Glory.
Lynda,
Am needing to get in touch with regarding a class reunion we will have our 50 next yr sorry had to go thru this way hope you get this message, look forward to hearing from you,Lillian
I KNEW BARNEY WHEN HE LIVED AT BELLA VISTA, ARKANSAS. WE PLAYED TENNIS TOGETHER. WE WON THE FIRST BELLA VISTA TENNIS OPEN PLAYING DOUBLES. HE WAS A FINE MAN.