Cecil James “Jim” Welton passed away July 9, 2026, at his home in Poteau, Oklahoma at the age of 80. Jim was born December 17, 1945, in Upland, California to Chester and Irene (Currens) Welton. At an early age, Jim worked with Harp’s Food and was relocated to Poteau. He worked some years for Harp’s before venturing out on his own to open Welton’s Market on Dewey Avenue in downtown Poteau. He operated it for a few years, before finally accepting a job managing Poteau Foods for over 22 years. After retiring from Poteau Foods, of course with Jim’s work ethic he wasn’t retired long. He decided to continue using his people skills and working with the public and took a job with Brad Fenton Motors selling cars, where he built many new relationships with many customers. Jim was loved by all and will be dearly missed in our community. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry Welton, and his sister Nancy Johnson.

Jim is survived by his wife, Betty of the home, his children Greg Welton and wife Dana of Poteau, Oklahoma, Tisha Smedley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Martin Taylor and wife Ester of Poteau, Oklahoma, and Jay Taylor and wife Gwenda of Poteau, Oklahoma, his nine grandchildren Jacquie Leach and husband Jesse of Poteau, Oklahoma, Kaci Welton of Poteau, Oklahoma, Drew Welton of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ryan Smedley and wife Kristen of Claremore, Oklahoma, Lindsey Reece and husband Dustin of Poteau, Oklahoma and Kara Breckinridge; his great grandchildren Zaxton, Kynzi, Bryttan, and Kyndrix Leach, Kambri Reece, Parker Welton, Harmony Welton, Levii Welton, Huxley Smedley, Paeton Anderson, Allie Anderson, and Nolan Nichols, his brothers-in-law, Mack Wheeler of Tenaha, Texas and Sam Wheeler and wife Wanzie of Tenaha, Texas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and host of friends.

The Celebration of Life Services for Jim Welton will be held 2pm – Saturday, July 18, 2026, at The Cedars on Dewey 520 Dewey Ave Poteau, Oklahoma with Pastor Jim Reed officiating and Southside Baptist Church Men’s Group singing. The Family of Jim Welton will greet friends at the conclusion of the service, also in The Cedars on Dewey. Honorary Pallbearers will be David Carmack, Don Harmon, Durwin Hampton, Scooter, Drew Welton, Ryan Smedley and Jesse Leach.

Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com

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