Douglas Wayne Welch, 59, of Pineland, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born in San Augustine, on September 28, 1963 to Dick Welch, Sr. and Betty Virene Webb Welch. He was a graduate of West Sabine ISD where he played baseball and led the Tiger team to the state playoffs in his position as pitcher. He worked in the construction field for many years as a welder and superintendent for PPI.

He was a member of Bethel Chapel Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and also a past member of the West Sabine School Board. He was a well known member of his community, always ready to help in any way for anyone that he could. He loved to hunt, fish and play golf but his passion was baseball. Baseball, softball, ragball, you name it. He played, coached, and won. He was often organizing and playing in tournaments to benefit the community and those in need.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lisa Welch of Pineland; sons, Ray Craig and wife, Tyna, of Pineland, Heath Welch of Fort Worth, and Hunter Welch and wife, Liz, of Santa Fe; daughters, Felicia Fussell and Brandon Anderson of Pineland and Dawn Daniels of Brownsboro; grandchildren, Colby, Stormi, Paisley, Kelsi, Brodie, Levi, Blaze, Kylee, Wade, Haydon, Reese, Revan, Kenzy and Preslie; brothers, Calvin Welch and wife, Bernice, of Bronson, George Welch and wife, Kathryn, of Bronson and Jim Welch and wife, Mandie, of Pineland; sister, Betty Faye Davis of Bronson; brothers-in-law, David Forse of Pineland and Mike Williamson and wife, Judy, of Arkansas; mother-in-law, Barbara Williamson of Pineland; and many, many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Welch; mother, Betty Welch; brother, Buckwheat Welch; brothers-in-law, Steve Williamson and Wayne Williamson; and sister-in-law, Nancy Forse.

Funeral services were held, Feb. 17, in Bethel Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Joe Caraway officiating.

Burial followed services in Bethel Chapel Cemetery with Gilbert Burch, Rodney Burch, Wesley Wall, Shawn Smith, B. J. Sensat, Colt Stone, Anthony Forse and Donny Weaver serving as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Wesley Welch.

Memories and condolences may be shared as starrfuneralhome. com.