Longtime Comanche County Farmer Carl Leon Welch Sr. Dies at 89

Welch operated a family farm for over 50 years, growing produce and raising livestock.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:21pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, earthy tones depicting the soft, blurred silhouettes of an old wooden barn, a tractor, and rows of crops, conceptually representing the nostalgic atmosphere of a family farm.The passing of longtime Comanche County farmer Carl Leon Welch Sr. marks the end of an era for family-owned agricultural operations in rural Texas.Brownwood Today

Carl Leon Welch Sr., a longtime farmer in Comanche County, Texas, passed away on April 2, 2026 at the age of 89. Welch and his wife Jane owned and operated a farm in Comanche County for over 50 years, starting with a large hog operation and later transitioning to growing watermelons, cantaloupes, and other produce. In his later years, he also added sheep and goats to the farm. Welch was a U.S. Army veteran and a longtime member of the Sipe Springs Masonic Lodge and the Armstrong Masonic Lodge in Deleon.

Why it matters

Welch's passing marks the end of an era for family farming in Comanche County, as he represented a generation of small, independent farmers who helped shape the local agricultural landscape over the course of decades. His commitment to diversified crop production and livestock farming exemplified the resilience and adaptability required to sustain a family-owned operation in the face of changing market conditions.

The details

Welch was born on September 22, 1936 to Alvin Carl Welch and Bertha Starkey Welch. He married Jane Bartlett on June 2, 1957 in Comanche, Texas. Together, they grew their farm operation over the years, starting with a large hog farm and later transitioning to growing watermelons, cantaloupes, and other produce. In his later years, Welch also added sheep and goats to the farm. Welch was known for his regular presence at local farmers' markets during harvest season.

  • Welch was born on September 22, 1936.
  • Welch married Jane Bartlett on June 2, 1957.
  • Welch passed away on April 2, 2026 at the age of 89.

The players

Carl Leon Welch Sr.

A longtime farmer in Comanche County, Texas who operated a diversified farm for over 50 years, growing produce and raising livestock.

Jane Bartlett

Welch's wife of 63 years, who co-owned and operated the family farm with him.

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What’s next

Welch will be laid to rest during a Masonic Graveside Service on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Oakwood Cemetery in Comanche, Texas.

The takeaway

Welch's life and work exemplified the enduring spirit of family farming in rural Texas communities, as he and his wife Jane built a successful multi-generational operation over the course of more than five decades. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of local farmers.