David Shane Welch

David “Shane” Welch, 61, passed away on August 16, 2026, in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was born on April 24, 1965, in Crowell, Texas, and lived a colorful and adventurous life filled with family, ranching, rodeos, music, dancing, laughter, and faith.

Shane was raised on The Big Four Ranch in Truscott, Texas, by his parents, Laquita Welch Kirkland and Whitey Welch, alongside his sister Shawnda Dee. Growing up on the ranch, Shane developed a deep love for cowboying and the ranching way of life. His passion for rodeos, riding bulls and broncs, and the western lifestyle was in his blood from an early age.

Shane loved sports and played football for Haskell, Texas, where he was part of the Indian football team. During his sophomore year, in true Shane fashion, he became a “traitor” and moved to Stamford, Texas, to play for the Bulldogs, where he enjoyed much success and graduated.

As the years went by, Shane found another favorite pastime: golfing. He especially enjoyed the challenge of playing with his father-in-law, “Pappie Jack.” Although the game may not have always been relaxing, Shane certainly enjoyed the competition and the time they spent together.

Shane loved a good old time. Some of his favorite memories were made riding the backroads, listening to music, and heading to the dances in Benjamin and Rhineland back in the day. He loved dancing, and there was nothing quite like a dirt road and some good music.

On August 1, 2001, Shane married the love of his life, Mitzi. Together, they shared 25 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, music, dancing, and countless memories. Through his marriage to Mitzi, Shane was blessed with four bonus children, whom he welcomed into his heart and loved as his own. Family was incredibly important to Shane, and he never needed the word “bonus” to define the love he had for them—they were simply his children.

Four weeks before Shane entered hospice, even as his mind was beginning to slip away, he showed a CNA at the nursing home that he could still two-step. That was Shane—he still had a little dance left in him.

But perhaps Shane’s greatest joy of all was being a grandfather. His grandchildren could put an instant smile on his face and brought a special happiness to his life. He treasured each one and was proud to be their Pawpaw.

Though Shane lived a colorful life, full of stories and adventures in his younger years, his greatest journey was the one that brought him closer to God. Several years ago, after attending a Walk to Emmaus in Lueders, Texas, Shane rededicated his life to the Lord. He became a member of Four Square Church in Knox City, Texas. Shane believed that God had many guardian angels watching over him through the deepest valleys of his life, and until the day he passed, he knew his Lord and Savior.

Shane was preceded in death by his parents, Laquita Kirkland and Whitey Welch, In laws Jack and Sue Sheedy and his brother-in-law, Steve Sheedy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mitzi Welch; his daughter, Misty Jones and husband Clint of Guthrie, Texas; and his three sons, Ray Ham of Vernon, Texas; Mitchell Welch of Wichita Falls, Texas; and Heath Welch and wife Kara of Knox City, Texas.

He is also survived by his sisters, Shawnda Dee Woodruff and husband Damon of Pineville, Missouri, and Lisa Steele of Dallas, Texas; his brother, Robert Kirkland and wife Kimie of Haskell, Texas; his brother-in-law, Mike Sheedy and wife Kay of O’Brien, Texas; and his sister-in-law, Cassie Sheedy of Knox City, Texas, wife of the late Steve Sheedy, and countless nieces and nephews.

Shane’s greatest joy was his grandchildren: Koby Jones and Kate, Levi Jones and Mary, Abigail Jones, Sierra Jones, Wesson Ham, Nicolas Ham, Pollina Ham, Breckon Welch, Braylee Welch, and Koe Welch. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Clara Jones, Quincey Jones, and Rynlee Jones, who brought an even greater joy to his heart.

Shane leaves behind a lifetime of stories—the kind that will be told again and again around kitchen tables, at family gatherings, on ranches, and wherever old friends gather. He will be remembered for his cowboy heart, his love of music and dancing, his competitive spirit, his sense of adventure, his mischievous sense of humor, and most importantly, his faith in God.

Though he has ridden his last backroad and danced his last two-step here on earth, Shane is now home with his Lord and Savior, free from the struggles of this life.

Ride on, Shane. Until we meet again.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Four Square Church in Knox City, Texas, with Rev. Rick Moeller and Rev. Mike Kidwell officiating. Burial will follow at Benjamin Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 PM at Smith Funeral Home, 210 Avenue A, Knox City, Texas.