Obituaries
July 21, 2024
Mark Alton Welch
Mark Alton Welch, a free-spirited entrepreneur who grew up in Dallas, died on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at his home in Mesquite from complications of cancer at the age of 68.
Born at Baylor of Dallas on June 18, 1956, Mark was the youngest of three children born to Odell and Billie Nayrene Welch. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1974.
He later married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Wilson Kroeger, whom he would go on to have two daughters with, Tiffany (Welch) Jenkins and Lori (Welch) Talty.
An entrepreneur throughout his life and a jack of all trades, Mark started and invested in numerous businesses throughout his life from Bingo, to remodeling companies and then into BBQ restaurants. He moved away from Texas nearly two decades ago to Mississippi with a job opportunity before returning back to Texas in 2022 to be close to his children, grandchildren and family.
As the family’s dynamo, Mark was the life of the party at family functions and will be remembered as always cracking a joke and making everyone laugh. Meanwhile, his maverick personality manifested in a love for motorcycles, with at one time taking a cross-country trip to Alaska.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jerry Welch, sister-in-law Lynn Welch and his brother-in-law David Pollard.
He is survived by his two daughters, Tiffany (Welch) Jenkins and her husband Justin Jenkins; Lori (Welch) Talty and her husband Matt Talty; his sister, Sherrie Pollard; his nine grandchildren, Brooklyn Jenkins, Brayden Jenkins, Ireland Talty, Connolly Talty, Blaise Beverly, Alaina Beverly, Ember Langley, Rogan Langley and Madden Langley; many nieces, nephews and extended family members, and his exes that don’t all live in Texas; Nancy Wilson Kroeger, Sharon Finizie, Starr Morgan and Sue Baker, who all loved his children like their own. Sue and Mark reconnected in his final years and spent their days traveling and having as much fun as possible. Sue also took amazing care of him throughout his battle with cancer.
The family is holding a private memorial later this week per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Open Arms Family Outreach.
Condolences
Christene Judkins July 27, 2024
Friend and bingo worker Smithville , Tennessee
Rest in peace my friend, you ran a good race here on earth but God needs you with him in heaven. You will be missed here but you will always be in our hearts.
Brittaney Dobbins July 26, 2024
Friend Community of Sturgis Sturgis , Mississippi
May God be with his family in this time of need. Mr. Mark you will be very missed the town of Sturgis is saddened by your death. We enjoyed having you in our small town as well as your BBQ! Make some for us up in Heaven will ya.
PaulaAlvarez July 26, 2024
Friend Richardson , Texas
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. My thoughts are with y’all.
Tommy Pogue July 25, 2024
Childhood friends Mabank , Texas
Very saddened to hear of Mark's illness and passing. I have so many memories of experiences growing up and the fun times we had. My mother always said, " there will never be another Mark Wech, he is one in a lifetime". She was absolutely correct. Godspeed Mark Welch!
Tracy Pogue Settimi July 25, 2024
Lifelong friend Dallas , Texas
On behalf of the Pogue family- Mark, boy will you be missed. You were the funniest guy we know and were loved by our entire family…many who are meeting you up in Heaven right now! Godspeed dear friend- thanks for the laughs- and give the ole Pogues a hug from us down here. Until we meet again. To your family- we are praying for you and holding you in our thoughts. May God embrace you during the difficult days ahead and bring you comfort. You had one of the best! May the memories bring you smiles and laughter for years to come. Love, Tracy and family
Marie miller July 25, 2024
Friend MABEN , Mississippi
I am so sorry. I worked with Mark for 7 years. He was always great to be around. He had his moments but we got along great. He will be greatly missed ..
Clarissa July 25, 2024
Employee #1 CNA Dallas , Texas
I will forever miss you you were the life of the party . I worked for Mark at Silver Cottage I was his CNA . We butt heads at times but, always made it work . I loved working for him . I will forever be greatful for the time I had with Mr Mark and Sue . Gone but, not forgotten ..
Bonnie Kinkopf and Ronald Kinkopf July 25, 2024
Acquaintances through family Mayfield Hts. , Ohio
Ron and I were very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Ron still carries with him a police badge that Mark went out of his way to get for him when we were all gathered for Lori and Matt’s wedding. Our sincere condolences are sent to Mark’s extended family during this difficult time.
Gina Reedwood October 13, 2024
Friend Eupora , Mississippi
We are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. We just are finding out from your post. . Mark was one of the first people that I met when I starting hanging out in Columbus. He was a great friend to me and my husband. Praying for you and your family.