Mayor Emeritus of the City of Houston, serving five terms, passed away following a courageous and exemplary battle with lung cancer. He was born to the late Gilford E. and Nora Shackelford Welch. Mr. Welch grew up in Slaton, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He attended Abilene Christian University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1940. Shortly after graduation he married the late Iola Faye Cure. They had six children and were married over 50 years. Together they served this city with great devotion. Iola Faye passed away in 1991. In 1992 he married longtime family friend and co-worker, Helen Morales. Helen has brought joy and peace to him and his family for the last 16 years. Mr. Welch's entire adult life was dedicated to the enrichment of Houston, the city he loved so much. His love for the city was matched only by his love for his family and Abilene Christian University. His love and devotion to Jesus Christ far surpassed it all. He was very active in his church, always teaching and many times preaching. He knew the word of God and lived his life according to it. At the time of his passing, he and Helen were members of the Bammel Road Church of Christ. He was a kind and generous man whit a sharp wit and keen sense of humor. He stood on principle and never wavered. Many people loved Mayor Welch and all respected him. Mr. Welch first entered public service at the urging of friends and admires in 1950. In that year he was elected Councilman-at-Large, a post he held until 1953. After two close but unsuccessful races for mayor, in 1957 he was again elected Councilman-at-Large, a position he held for six additional years. In 1963, he was elected mayor and served 5 consecutive terms, an unprecedented feat at the time. Upon voluntary retirement from the mayor's office in 1974, he was named President and CEO of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, a position he held until 1985. Though no longer mayor of the city he loved, he continued to contribute to its leadership, growth, and prosperity. Among his many honors were the following: Honorary Doctor of Laws, Lubbock Christian College 1983, Pepperdine University 1981, Abilene Christian University 1981, Rochester College, MI, Honorary Doctor of Humanities, Oklahoma Christian College 1982, Cornerstone Award, Greater Houston Builders Association, First Recipient 1980, People of Vision Award, Texas Society for Prevention of Blindness, First Recipient First Recipient 1977, Knight's Cross of the Order of the Crown of the Kingdom of Belgium 1976, Knight Officer in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic 1975, American Medical Center Humanitarian Award 1975, Order of the Sacred Treasure, gold and Silver star from Emperor of Japan 1990, distinguished Eagle Scout 1974 International B'nai B'rith Humanitarian Award 1973, National Conference of Christians and Jews Honoree Award 1983, Outstanding Abilene Christian University Alumnus 1966, Listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Who's Who in finance and Industry, Who's Who in American Politics, and HISD's Louie Welch Middle School named in honor of Mr. Welch in 1979, First Professor-Louie.