David Earl Welch

David Earl Welch, 67, formerly of Southlake, Texas, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022.  He was born September 5, 1954 to Edward Earl Welch and Pauline Rodgers Welch in Winnsboro, Louisiana.  As a child David grew up all over the map, living in a few places in Europe. When he was 3, the Welch family was in France. At 5 years old, David and his family moved to Babenhausen, Germany. Then the family headed back to the USA and lived in 5 different states before they settled down for his fathers’ retirement in Louisiana when David was 15.This journey was the blessing of his father Edward, who, while in the Army, served his country that took the Welch family around the globe.

Once settled in Louisiana, at age 15, David attended Parkway High School in Bossier City. David played basketball and football for them; he was a shining star at that age with his outgoing and friendly personality. He was loved and cherished by his teammates and peers. David was a loyal man and continued to hold his childhood relationships through adulthood.

David continued to LSU where he graduated with his MBA and began his career with General Dynamics, then onto Lockheed Martin taking on a role in International Offset and Marketing, where he was the President of the DIOA (Defense Industry Offset Association).  He worked and traveled many countries for Lockheed. In 2000, he took an opportunity to start a company in Greece where he and Carolyn lived for 3 years.  This unlocked many opportunities for David over the years, making him the successful entrepreneur that we all know him to be.  David wasn’t only all business. He loved to travel, golf, snow ski, water ski and anything to do with boats. David embraced and enjoyed the little and simple things in life and was overall an amazing man.

David was a kind and caring Christian man, always putting everyone and anyone before himself and their needs.  He was committed to being an amazing son, son in-law, husband, father, grandfather, friend, peer and mentor.  David was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife of 30 years Carolyn. He would light up when she walked into his sight and he held her hand each day with pride and love.  He was extremely proud of his sons Billy and Travis, always sharing with others their achievements and his love for them.  David always spoke with pride of his family, especially his grandkids and the milestones they are accomplished. David was just overall, an extraordinary man who will be cherished by all.

David was preceded in death by his father, Edward Welch and mother, Pauline Welch, father and mother-in-law Earl and Jean Garrison.

Survivors left to cherish his memory are his wife Carolyn; sons, Billy Austin (wife Diana) and Travis Austin (wife Tee); brother-in-laws Earl Garrison (wife Karen), Keith Garrison (wife Mona);sister-in-laws Debi and Barbara Garrison; grandchildren, Dalton, Alexis , Salma, Mateo, Landree, Layla, CJ, Lauren, Chris, Justin, Philipe, Carlos, and sister Judy Welch; uncle Ed Rodgers and wife Bonnie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.