Tommy "Tom" J. Welch Sr.

Tommy “Tom” J. Welch, Sr. age 67, resident of Peñasco, NM passed away July 23, 2024 surrounded by his family, after a long illness.

He was preceded in death by his son Matthew Welch; father Donald Welch, mother Billie Joe Welch; siblings Kenneth (Helen), Alfred, Dean, Randy Heller, Donna Lou, and Ginger Mitchell; nephew Justin Lee Wheeler; grandmothers Etta Pearce, Ruth Pauline House; grandfathers Alfred Pearce, Harold House; and foster parents Faye & John Spence. 

Tom was employed by the New Mexico State Penitentiary as a Records Manager and Corrections Officer. Prior to that, he worked as a machinist with various envelope manufacturing companies, he was a military trained mechanic. Tom was the Local Post Commander for the American Legion. He loved all things cowboy, riding horses and everything John Wayne. Tom was a great cook and loved to Bar-B-Que. He loved rebuilding small engines and repairing anything mechanical. Tom served many years in the United States Army and the Army National Guard and was very patriotic. He was a deeply spiritual man, who often talked about his relationships with God. Tom was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. On July 22, Tom celebrated his 67th birthday, enjoying time with family and lots of meaningful phone conversations. 

He is survived by his wife Suzanne Welch; sons Joseph Welch, Gabriel Welch (Crystal), Andrew Eichwald (Jason), Shane Welch (Juanita), Tommy J. Welch, Jr. (Veva) and daughter Amanda Deutsch; siblings Roy Stevens, Rose McDaniel (Ricky), Paula Phelps (Donny), Ruth Pigg, Sue Weaver, Donna Lee Issacson (Vernon), June McGuire and Deborah Wallace; grandchildren Tatum Welch, Cannon Welch, Maddox Welch; parents-in-law Aaron & Roselyn Eichwald; sisters-in-law Lori Welch and Kaylene Heller; numerous nieces, nephews, so many friends, including some very special friends Mama Carol Spell & Sissy Laura Tounget and Arthur Crow.

The family of Tommy “Tom” J. Welch, Sr. has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com