August 9, 2023 - The Deep East Texas Cooperative family bid farewell to Gordon Welch on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Welch, a lineman for nearly 45 years with DETEC, passed away July 31, 2023. He worked as Lead Area Service Technician – First Class Lineman.
His fellow linemen set up in front of Magnum Funeral Home raising their buckets in a final salute to their friend and colleague. With Welch’s truck leading the way, Gordon was followed by a line of DETEC vehicles on his final journey with his family and friends before arriving at Clever Creek Cemetery.
Utility workers are first responders. Linemen bring light to the darkness often leaving their own families in times of chaos to help restore power for others. They travel to where they are needed and help in communities besides their own.
Giving respect to the life of Gordon Welch, Center PD officers stood with their hands over their hearts at the Southview Circle intersection as the procession rolled through. The Shelby County Sheriff's Department also assisted with traffic control during the funeral procession.
Welch will not only be missed by his family and his work family, but he will also be missed by his church families.
To view the obituary for Gordon Welch, click here.
DETEC posted a tribute video of the funeral procession on their Facebook page as well. To view the video, click here.
