Gary Lon Welch

Gary Lon Welch passed away at his home in Jensen, UT on February 3, 2022. Gary was surrounded by his children and wife of almost 50 years, who sweetly held his hand as he found peace. Gary was an extraordinary man with an immense love of life, laughter and family. The day prior to his passing, two of his daughters were by his side and as he took what they thought would be his last breath, he opened his eyes and said, "grave diggers". That was "Pops", as he was affectionately known, by his children and grandchildren...funny, witty and incredibly intelligent. His journey in this life began on December 12, 1945, in Lubbock Texas, where he was born to Hubert and Alice Marie Welch (Bevills). Gary dearly loved his mother and grandmother Fannye Bevills (McFarlin), both impacted his life tremendously. Gary left high school early to join the Navy, enlisting in 1964. He spent his entire time in the Navy serving on board the USS Lexington, also known as the Blue Ghost, a legendary Essex Class carrier which had participated prominently in almost every major operation in the Pacific during WWII. In 1962 the Lexington began to serve as a Navy Training Carrier and was stationed in Pensacola FL where Gary actively served his country for four years as a flight deck operations specialist, and in the US Navy Reserve for an additional two years, being honorably discharged in 1970. Handling chaotic situations on the flight deck of a Navy training aircraft carrier would prepare Gary for the next many decades of his life. Gary married Dorlene Smuin (Johnson) in 1972, a package deal that came with the bonus of five children, four daughters and one son. No one ever really knew what possessed Gary to marry a woman with five children, but it created a family that is eternally grateful for that decision. Gary and his new family spent the majority of their time in Texas and Oklahoma, until a recent move brought he and his sweetheart back to the town where they first met 50 years ago. Gary loved his family, his three brothers, his children, his 18 grandchildren and his 23 great grandchildren. He was a man of extreme integrity and resilience. He never complained about anything, even when his body was being ravaged by the illness that took his life, he never complained. His honesty was uncanny, his gratitude was sincere, his humility was exemplary and his commitment to God and family was inspiring to all. His love of woodworking, playing the guitar, restoring old cars, serving in his church, and spending time with loved ones, especially his dear wife, is what has occupied his time during retirement. In one day he became a husband with an instant responsibility for five children; over time, he became a father and a dad, so highly regarded and loved by his five children that the term "step-father" has no place in their hearts. We love you, Pops! The family reunion on the other side of the veil was attended by his dear mom Marie, father Martin, grandmother Fannye, Grandfather Euell, his brother Steve, his best friend son-in-law Mario Rendon, as well as a host of friends and other family members. Pops is missed by his beautiful wife Dorlene, his five children Tammy (Mario) Rendon, Sandra (Shawn) Richins, Andrea (Piliki) Tauteoli, Angela (Chris) Burrows and Marty (Jessica) Smuin. Grandchildren: Josh, Jen, Amy, Ryan, Rhett, Ashley, Erika, Blake, Dallin, David, Courtney, Rachel, Tyler, Collin, PJ, Kaili, Maika, and Spencer. Great grandchildren: Chris, Jade, Rion, Ayva, Jeremy, Hallie, Brielle, Maya, Swayze, Tristen, Mila, Roman, Jax, Thea, Rosalie, Riley, Clint, Isla, Hilding, Atticus, Rendon, Rigby and Nora. Brothers: Hubert Welch (Jr) and James Linebarger Until we meet again! Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 11:00AM at the Jensen LDS Chapel. A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday morning 9:45-10:45AM at the Church. Interment will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 11.