Michael Reese Welsh

Michael Reese Welsh, 21, pipeline worker, died in a traffic accident on Nowata Road in Bartlesville at 6:47 pm Tuesday evening. Michael was born in Galveston, Texas on November 14, 1994 to parents James and Scarlet (Schiel) Welsh. Michael attended High School in Bartlesville. Michael will be remembered as extremely out going. He was a good natured guy with a big heart. His sometimes goofy personality could soften up anyone. He truly just wanted to make people smile and laugh. Michael had the ability to make friends with anyone. Michael was a hard worker, and he loved working in the Oil and Gas industry. He wanted to be an Operator someday, and he was proud that he was a pipeliner. One of Michael’s passions was shoes. Not just any shoes—he had dozens of the most rare, impossible to get, and most highly sought after sneakers around. His collection was famous, and he had garnered several awards at the recent “Kicklahoma” – A showcase event for sports memorabilia and shoes. Michael is survived by his mother Scarlet Peoples of Dewey; his father James Welsh and wife Deborah of Houston, Texas; his brother John Welsh and his wife Shannon of Dickinson, Texas and their children Travis and Josh Welsh, the nephews Michael was so proud of. Michael also had a “second family” as he would say. Dr. Joel Manley and wife Cheryl were like a second set of parents and their children, Andrew, Austin, Carter, Mason, and Ella were like siblings to Michael. Other survivors include grandparents Dudley and Shirley Drager of Santa Fe, Texas, grandfather Fred Schiel of Santa Fe, Texas, and great- grandmother, Elsie Ginzel; and an aunt Tabitha Drager and uncle, Heath Drager and wife Jenny. Michael considered all his friends to be a part of his family, and with his gregarious and charming personality, that list of people is endless. Needless to say, his family and great many friends will mourn the loss of a young man taken too soon. Michael often said “If speed kills me, know that I was smiling doing something I loved.” Michael loved diesel trucks, motorcycles, and going fast. He was reckless and carefree. As Hard as it is for all of the friends and family that is left behind, Michael’s attitude was that we are all going to die someday, it might as well be doing something you loved. Godspeed, Michael. A Memorial Service to celebrate the Life of Michael Reese Welsh will be held at 10: am, Tuesday, July 5, 2016 in the Stumpff Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions are requested to help with funeral expenses. The Michael Welsh Memorial Fund is set up at RCB Bank, 4224 SE Adams Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. (918)337-1369

Michael Reese Welsh

November 14, 1994 - June 28, 2016