Welch Larrabee (Larry) Sewell

Mr. Welch Larrabee (Larry) Sewell, 84, of Mexia, passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, in Mexia.

Larry was born Sept. 3, 1935, in Mexia to Welch L. and Margaret Lorena Cox Sewell.

He grew up in Mexia and graduated from Mexia High School; Baylor University with a Bachelor’s Degree; and Sam Houston State University with a Master’s Degree. Larry served in the Texas National Guard, was a member and Past Master of the Springfield Masonic Lodge #74 and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mexia.

During his career he worked as a math teacher in various school districts in Texas, including Mexia ISD. He also worked as a test engineer for NASA during the Apollo and Skylab programs and later went to work for Lockheed Martin where he retired.

In his younger years he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Mexia Fire Department and enjoyed spending time at his farm.

Larry married Hermine Hawker and they were blessed with four children and a very happy marriage prior to her death in 2013.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Doris Simon. Survivors include his children, Carol Sewell Chipman of Oklahoma City, David Hawker Sewell and wife Cathye of Tomball, William Lester Sewell and wife Lisa of Blanco and Cynthia Ellen Sewell Catalani and husband Dave of The Woodlands; grandchildren, Diane Sewell and her husband Josh, Rhys Sewell, Katherine Chipman, Eric Chipman, Cari Catalani; and great-grandson, Matthew Sewell. Larry is also survived by several cousins and nieces.

Graveside funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Teague with the Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Masonic graveside rites will also be provided. Honorary pallbearers will be Edmund Schuster, Michael Russell, Buddy Williford, Josh Sewell and the members of the Masonic Lodge.

Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.