Fred William (Bill) Welch, age 78, of Lovington, NM was called home to be with the lord October 4, 2025 in Lubbock, TX. He was born December 24, 1946 to Helen Henslee and Gerald Welch in Richmond, California. He graduated from Artesia High in 1966. He went on to attend NMMI and play football and was named 3rd all American defensive guard, he finished his college career at Sol Ross University and graduated in 1971. Bill then met and married the love of his life, Shirley Jo Welch in 1974 and moved to Lovington shortly after, where they raised their daughter and made their home for the last 51 years.

After graduation, Bill tried his hand as a police officer, high school science teacher, and eventually moved to Lovington and started working in the oil and gas industry. He started with Southern Union and ended his career as the Head of the trucking division at Navajo Refinery/Holly Frontier for many years before retiring. In his retirement he was active in traveling, attending his grandkids events, being a "master griller", playing and recording music, gardening, playing with the stock market, and spending time in the mountains. He had a passion for music and was an accomplished piano player. He loved to visit with other musicians and enjoyed telling stories about playing with Ray Price, Barbara Mandrell,

The Haggard Brothers, and The Billy Grandi Band, which he even recorded a record with at Capitol records.

Bill was a very kind and generous person, he was always willing to lend a helping hand but would tell you "only as long as you're willing to help yourself". He was an amazing mentor to his family and friends. He always had words of wisdom and advice to share. He was a member of the Choctaw Nation, the Masonic Lodge, and had previously been a member of the Senior Heritage Program at Nor-Lea.

He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley; his parents: Helen and Gerald, and a grandson: Ty Fitzgerald.

He is survived by his: daughter Twyla Smith of Lovington; grandchildren: Jessica (Chuck) Johnson, Joshua Smith, Colter (Misty) Smith all of Lovington, and Ashleigh (Garrett) Milligan of Lubbock, TX; Great grandchildren: Presleigh Peterson, Averleigh, Erick, and Tylen Johnson, Branson and Boston Milligan, and 6 great-great grandchildren: Sister: Norma Lou (Ross) Anderson of Lake Arthur, NM. Significant other Cathy Hackenberg, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral services for Fred William (Bill) Welch will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home with Jimmy Crawford officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.