Louie Welch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louie Welch
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Welch speaking, c. 1960's
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| 54th Mayor of Houston | |
| In office January 2, 1964 – January 2, 1974 |
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| Preceded by | Lewis Wesley Cutrer |
| Succeeded by | Fred Hofheinz |
| 30th President of the United States Conference of Mayors | |
| In office 1972–1973 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Maier |
| Succeeded by | Roy Martin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 9, 1918 Lockney, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | January 27, 2008 (aged 89) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Brookside Memorial Park in Houston |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Iola Faye Cure Welch
(m. 1940; died 1991)Helen Welch |
| Children | 6 |
| Alma mater | Abilene Christian University (BA) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Louie Welch (December 9, 1918 – January 27, 2008) was an important American politician. He served as the mayor of Houston, Texas, for ten years. His time as mayor was from 1964 to 1974.
Contents
Louie Welch's Early Life
Louie Welch was born on December 9, 1918, in Lockney, a town in West Texas. His father, Gilford Edgar Welch, worked as an automobile mechanic. His mother, Nora Shackleford, taught Bible studies at their church.
School Days and College Life
In high school, Louie was a member of the debate team. He was also the president of his senior class. He loved reading and poetry, often quoting famous lines throughout his life. This helped him become known for his quick and clever remarks.
Louie went to Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas. He was a varsity cheerleader there. In 1940, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He married his first wife, Iola Faye Cure, on December 17, 1940.
Serving on the City Council
Louie Welch was encouraged by friends to join the Houston City Council. He was elected and served four two-year terms. His time on the council was from 1950 to 1952 and then from 1956 to 1962.
Becoming Mayor of Houston
After trying three times, Louie Welch was finally elected mayor of Houston in 1963. He served five terms in a row, each lasting two years. Only one other mayor has served for as long.
Houston's Growth During His Time
Houston grew a lot while Welch was mayor. In 1963, the city's population reached over one million people. Under his leadership, several big events happened that made Houston famous.
Key Achievements as Mayor
- The Astrodome, a huge sports stadium, opened in 1965.
- The Houston Intercontinental Airport (now George Bush Intercontinental Airport) opened in 1969.
- NASA's Mission Control nearby helped send astronauts to the moon.
- New lakes, Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston, were opened to provide water for the city.
- He worked to clean up the Houston Ship Channel.
- He started projects to make Houston's bayous more beautiful.
- He began developing the downtown Civic Center area.
By the time Welch left office in 1974, Houston was quickly becoming one of the largest cities in the United States. It became the fifth largest city in 1975 and the fourth largest by 1980.
Leadership in National Organizations
Louie Welch was also a leader on a national level. He served as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 1972 to 1973. He was also the Vice President of the National League of Cities from 1970 to 1973.
In 1973, Louie Welch decided not to run for mayor again. In 1974, he became the President of the Houston Chamber of Commerce. This organization is now known as the Greater Houston Partnership. He also had his own company, Louie Welch & Associates.
Later Life and Passing
Louie Welch passed away on January 27, 2008, at the age of 89. He died from lung cancer at his home in Harris County, Texas. He was survived by his second wife, Helen, five children, and many grandchildren and step-grandchildren. His first wife, Iola Faye Cure, had passed away in 1991.
Louie Welch's Legacy
A school in Southwest Houston, Louie Welch Middle School, is named after him.
