Alvin D. Welch, a remarkable man of faith and humility who found opportunities in adversity, overcame obstacles, bettered mankind through outreach, mentoring and innovation, served his country, raised a wonderful family and loved a devoted wife, passed away in Kyle, Texas on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at the age of 88.

Alvin was born in Orlando, Florida on September 29, 1930. He served his country honorably in the US Army initially rising to the rank of Tech Sergeant. Alvin attended air traffic control school in El Paso where he was third in his class. His assignment put him under the direct command of a General who saw incredible intelligence and leadership in Alvin. Knowing that certain opportunities did not exist for Alvin, this General facilitated Alvin’s separation from the Army as a non-commissioned officer and re-enlistment and training as an officer and pilot. Alvin went on to serve in Korea as a Fire Spotter for Artillery units flying slow-moving, small airplanes over enemy lines while taking enemy fire, navigating, calling in target locations and adjusting firing solutions from the air. He returned to base twice with a burning plane. While training in San Marcos, Texas, to become an aviator Alvin met his loving wife, Mattie, while watching the flooded Blanco River at a bridge crossing in San Marcos. Following his second honorable discharge from the Army, Alvin found his way to Western Electric where he invented a component that aided in the conversion of rotary dial telephones to the touch-tone system of pulses and tones. His work received national recognition when he was featured in Ebony magazine. A picture of his family taken at that time was even utilized in an economics textbook at the high school attended by his daughters. Alvin was a man of tremendous faith and leadership. He founded the Word of His Power Ministries in Harvey, Illinois and seeded and pastored a ministry here in Kyle, Texas. Alvin was a mentor and father figure to many as well as a spiritual leader. He was a man of fortitude and many talents. His ability to find solutions was boundless.

Alvin is survived by this wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Please join us in celebration of Alvin’s extraordinary life with a time of visitation on Thursday, August 15, 2019, at Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will follow on Friday, August 16, 2019, also at Harrell Funeral Home with military honors and interment immediately following at Skyview Cemetery, 1902 South Old Stagecoach Road, Kyle, Texas.

Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Alvin’s family on his on-line memorial site.

Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-8200