By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
Nov 30, 1953 – Aug 20, 2026
Grove, OK
Cherokee Nation Citizen
John Welch, born on November 30th, 1953, in Tulsa County to Butler Welch and Agnes Novella Welch. John graduated Claremore High School in 1972. In his early 20’s, John was a bull rider. John perused a career as a journeyman electrician, which he was part of the union for IBEW, something he was mighty proud of. John also worked as a bail bondsman for the Rogers County communities.
John met Julie Sunday, and in 1995, married, and established their home in Claremore, where they raised their children and built a wonderful life together.
John was well known for his generosity, always the biggest cheerleader for his kids and grandkids. Whenever someone needed help, whether it be jumping a car battery to cutting down tree limbs after a storm, he was always first to volunteer. He loved nature, being in the outdoors, often emphasizing to his family how important the beauty of this earth is. He taught us to linger. John adored watching movies, and football, a life long OU fan. He loved jokes, starting them with “Lemme’ tell you a story!”. John was a social butterfly, often running into familiar faces and talking up a storm, reminiscing, always laughing. Family was the most important thing to John, no matter what. That love he shared was infectious, and he impressed upon us all to take the gamble that love exists, and to do loving acts.
