Kevin Gene Welch, 68, of Friona, Texas (or as he always liked to say, “South of Black,” proudly claiming to be an “S.O.B.”), passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. While the world became a little less bright and laughter-filled, heaven just got a lot more fun. Kevin lit up every room he entered with his big smile, quick wit, and endless jokes, bringing joy even through the toughest times.
Kevin was born November 8, 1956, to Gene and Mildred Welch, who quickly learned that their son would bring as much mischief as he did joy. Alongside his sisters, Veca and Varla, Kevin gave his parents plenty of gray hairs with his daredevil spirit, crashing motorcycles, wrecking (and even sinking) boats, climbing towers, and pulling tricks on the diving board. His fearless drive earned him the nickname “The Rock” on the football field and basketball court at Friona High School, where “Chieftains Fight Never Die” became a motto he carried throughout life.
After high school, Kevin attended Texas Tech University, where he majored in Agricultural Economics but also in fun. Known for his humor and adventurous streak, he made lifelong friends and memories. It was during this time that fate brought him to the love of his life, Linda Wise. After wooing her with poems and persistence, Kevin and Linda married on August 1, 1981, and began their 44-year love story rooted in faith, laughter, and family. Together, they raised four children—Kelsey, Katy, Dillon, and Duncan—filling their home with love, fun, and countless jokes.
Of all his titles in life, Kevin’s favorite was “Grampy.” His grandchildren, Kitzy, Avah, Haven, and Wade, were his pride and joy, and he shared with each of them a special bond filled with playfulness, encouragement, and unconditional love.
A lifelong farmer, Kevin worked alongside his father before cultivating his own reputation as an exceptional producer. He took pride in his crops and was very respected and honored to his dedication to his job in which he had so much passion. Harvest season was his favorite time of year, a reminder of faith, patience, and reward mirroring the way he lived his own life.
Above all, Kevin was a man of deep faith. He was a longtime member of Hereford Church of the Nazarene, where he faithfully taught Sunday School. Known for weaving humor, stories, and heartfelt lessons into his teaching, he poured countless hours into his class and the people he loved there. His life was a testimony to the truth that faith, fun, and a little orneriness could go hand in hand.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters Kelsey and Katy; sons Dillon and wife Ariana, and Duncan and wife Ariel; and grandchildren Kitzy, Avah, Haven, and Wade. He is also survived by his sisters, Veca Masters (James) and Varla Wilcox (Terry); sisters-in-law Rhonda Wise and Susan Cerday; brother-in-law Kyle Wise (Robin); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mildred Welch, and his in-laws, Frank and Shirley Wise.
Kevin will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his endless laughter, his love of farming, and the integrity with which he lived every day. His legacy will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know him.
The Welch family was available for visitation Friday evening September 5, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Hereford Church of the Nazarene in Hereford, Texas. The service was livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel. Arrangements were entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Kevin’s memory to Hereford Church of the Nazarene.
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at:hansardfamily.com
Celebrating Esther
Esther Cervantez Mendoza, 84 of Friona passed away September 7, 2025 in Friona. Viewing was held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with Prayer Service at 6:00 PM Wednesday, September 10, 2025 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home. Celebration of Life Services were held at 10:00 AM September 11, 2025 at Templo De Adoracion Church in Friona with Pastor Roy Dominguez, officiating. Burial followed in the Morton Cemetery in Morton, Texas. All arrangements were entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Esther was born June 9, 1941 in Rocksprings, Texas to Israel and Virginia Perez Cervantez. Esther was known as a very strong, but loving, understanding and forgiving person. Those traits are directly related back to her faith and relationship with Christ. She was a strong believer in prayer and she set aside special times to pray for others. Esther loved her family and enjoyed being a mother and grandmother. She worked hard cooking, and as seamstress for her family and others and had an eye for fashion and style. Her family says they will miss her protection and their “Mi Amour.”
Esther is preceded in death by her parents- Israel and Virginia Cervantez, 1 son-Joe Albert Mendoza, and 2 brothers-Samuel and Daniel Cervantez.
Those to mourn her passing include her husband-Joe Mendoza of Friona, 3 daughters-Yolanda Martinez and husband Mauricio, and Elizabeth Romero and husband David, all of Friona, and Frances Hurwitz and husband Duane of Duncan, Oklahoma, 3 sons-Jesse Mendoza and wife Gina of Rio Rancho, NM, Gilbert Mendoza and wife Michelle of Elk Horn, Nebraska, and Eddie Mendoza of Friona, 1 brother-John Cervantez of Lubbock, and 1 sister-Ruth Rupp and husband Jim of San Angelo, 24 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at: hansardfamily.com
Ira Holt, 91 of Friona passed away on Monday, September 9, 2025 in Dimmitt. Viewing will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Thursday, September 11, 2025 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Celebration of Life Graveside Service set for 2:00 PM Friday, September 12, 2025 at the Friona Cemetery with Wayne Proffitt, officiating. Burial following entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Ira was born on June 7, 1934 in Bailey County to Elmer and Clellie Kelton Holt. He attended schools in Bailey County until the family moved to the Rhea Community in 1946. Rhea school consolidated with Friona and he began attending schools there.
Ira was married to Bessie Ferguson in 1953 after his graduation and they moved to Grant, OK. They were in the dairy and farming businesses there for 4 years then moved back to Friona with two daughters Reba and Glenna. Ira worked for Herring Implement Co. as a Parts Manager for 37 years. He retired in 1999 and was involved in farming and cow/calf operation until the farm was sold in 2011. He was a very active member of Calvary Baptist Church from its organization in 1960. He served in all offices and positions in the church including Deacon. Ira and Bessie were elected President of the Friona Band Boosters which started in the 1971-1972 school year. He was active in the 4-H organization in the bucket calf projects, received the Parmer County 1998 South Plains 4-H Distinguished Leader award for his service, coached the Friona Consumers team in little league in the late 1950s, was a charter member of the Friona JC organization and helped build the roping arena on west Hwy 60. He was president of the ex-students organization when, with the help of other ex-students, the 5 year with a banquet type format was started in place of the Saturday afternoon meeting during Maize Days, and he was a member of the Parmer County Crime Stoppers for many years.
Ira is preceded in death by his parents- Elmer and Clellie, 1 daughter-Reba Holt Brito, 1 brother-Cecil, nephews- Craig Holt and Conner Cogdill, and 1 son-in-law- Johnny Lee Stokes.
Those to mourn his passing include his wife Bessie of Friona, daughter-Glenna Holt Stokes of Friona, sister-Doris Underhill of Elgin, OK., and several nieces and nephews.
For the last several years, Ira was homebound due to Alzheimer’s Disease, so memorials can be made to an Alzheimer Disease Organization or your favorite charity
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at: hansardfamily.com