Johnnie Blaine Welch, age 80, of Celina, Texas, passed away on May 23, 2023. Johnnie was born on September 22, 1942 in Dallas, Texas to Truett and Virginia (Blaine) Welch. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from North Dallas High School. Johnnie married Carolyn Pope on December 10, 1970 in McKinney, Texas.
Johnnie was a remarkable person who cherished the simplicity of life and found immense joy in raising, nurturing, and supporting his children and grandchildren. He was a loyal husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, supportive son, and dependable brother. His life was a testament to his adventurous spirit, which drove him to sail many miles along the coast of Padre Island, climb the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and bike hundreds of miles through the hot but beautiful Big Bend State Park. He lived life to the fullest and on the edge of danger; life was just more fun if his hair was on fire! (Kidding.) A dedicated husband, Johnnie devoted his final years to caring for his beloved wife, Carolyn, and their parents, demonstrating a selflessness that was truly remarkable and worthy of emulation. He made it a priority to infuse the lives of his loved ones with exhilarating adventures and was always his family’s biggest cheerleader. During his final year of life, Johnnie spent most of his time on his ranch in Celina, Texas communing with Jesus, and his family is comforted in knowing that he has now found eternal peace in the company of his Savior.
Johnnie's passing leaves an indelible void in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to have known him. His spirit, zest for life, and unwavering dedication to his family will forever serve as an enduring source of inspiration and cherished memories. He is survived by his children, William Robert Kubicek of Dallas, Texas, Karol Kristine Johnson and her husband, Dean, of McKinney, Texas, Karla Lea Descoteau and her husband, David, of Gunter, Texas, and Mindy Linn Koehne and her husband, Jason, of Celina, Texas; his grandchildren, Jaden Patterson, Bradford, Donelle, Mikah, Emily, Katlyn and Justin Johnson, Easton Descoteau, and Evan and Ashley Koehne; his sister, Dorothy Yates and her husband, Larry; and his brother, Glen Charles Welch and his wife, Helen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Truett and Virginia Welch, wife, Carolyn Pope Welch, daughter, Stephanie Ann Welch, and brothers, Truett Dawson Welch, Jr., Paul Craig Welch, and Joe Leland Welch.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.