Robert Carroll Welch

Altus businessman, Robert Carroll Welch, passed away on June 5, 2015 at the age of 64. His passing came too soon for those that loved him. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with Rev. Rod Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Russell Cemetery, Northwest of Duke, under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. Robert was born in Altus, Oklahoma on June 26, 1950 to Ardella and A. R. Welch, Jr. He grew up on the family farm and ranch in the extreme northwest corner of Jackson County with his four sisters, Shirley, Linda, Brenda and Peggy. He graduated from Duke High School in 1968 and went on to attend Oklahoma State University. Robert was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, majoring in Ag Economics and working as a commodity broker, later returning to help with the farm and ranch. He was a walking contradiction sometimes being a man of a few words and other times talking at length about one of his favorite subjects. He had a quick mind, a great capacity for work and gave new meaning to the word multi-tasking. His almost supernatural math ability served him well in all his businesses of farming, cattle and real estate. While a senior in college he wrote a paper that after the advice of his professor was published and quickly caught the eye of a commodity firm in Chicago. He was offered a position on the spot which he accepted, leaving Oklahoma for the hustle and bustle of Chicago. A life he soon left behind as the call of the Oklahoma red dirt was too great to ignore. Robert met his beloved wife of 26 years, Rebecca Sheehan in 1986. It was during this time that he became interested in real estate. After obtaining his real estate license, he worked for George Dempsey Real Estate and later partnered with Glenn Southall as co-owner and broker of Main Realty, Inc. Together they built a highly respected business. At the death of his partner several years later, Robert became owner and managing broker of the agency. His daughter, Michelle Coe, was the secretary at the time but through Robert’s encouragement and mentoring, she obtained her real estate license and later her broker’s license. Together they continued building the business becoming one of the successful real estate agencies in Altus. Robert was an avid supporter of the Altus community. He was a member of Masonic Lodge Altus Chapter 62, served as Chairman of the Committee of 100 welcoming newly assigned military members to the community, served as City Councilman Ward II from 1993-1997, traveled to Washington DC with members representing the Military Affairs Committee, served as President of the Altus Board of Realtors as well as holding offices on the Board of Directors. He also taught math and economics at Western Oklahoma State College. He had a long term dedication to his alma mater, Oklahoma State University. He and Rebecca attended OSU home football games and traveled to bowl games. They both enjoyed tailgating with family and friends. His love of OSU was only surpassed by his love of family. He adored Rebecca, his children, his grandchildren and his family. He especially loved having family visit their Hicks Mountain cabin, pulling his grandchildren and their friends behind the boat, riding jet skis and enjoying the lake. He leaves a legacy of success, friendship, devotion to family and friends and a love of the land. He is survived by his wife Rebecca, his children Michelle Coe and husband Bryan of Altus, Katy Smith and husband Jason of Altus; his grandchildren, Jordan Ramirez of Altus, Mason Hasty and Karter Hasty of Altus; his sisters, Shirley Hastings, Linda Ablard and husband Gary, Brenda Yazel and husband Mark, and Peggy Fenderson and husband John; one nephew Travis Fenderson, three nieces, Megan Janda and husband Justin, Monica Frieden and husband Vanndy, and Amanda Grove and husband Levi; three great nephews, one great niece; his “other brother” Rick Johnson and several very special friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorials may be made in Robert’s name to the Russell Cemetery Fund. Additional parking for the service is available behind the funeral home, Best Western to the South or Western Sizzlin’ to the North. Family and friends unable to attend may log on to kincannonfuneralhome.com 30 minutes prior to the service, click on the “Live Services” tab to view the live webcast of the funeral. TO VIEW THE LIVE WEBCAST, PLEASE CLICK BELOW! http://video.bchristian.tv/players/ngDeVLPb-nki9hWo4.js