KALAMAZOO, MI -- Former Republican state senator and Kalamazoo-area native Jack Welborn is being remembered for his lengthy time in Michigan politics.
Welborn, 88, died Sunday, March 7, at home, according to his obituary from Redmond Funeral Homes.
The former state senator was a conservative leader who was known for his work with Right To Life and fighting against high taxes and large government.
Welborn was first elected to the Michigan State House of Representatives in 1972 and to the Senate in 1974. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1982, then successfully ran to succeed his late brother in the Senate again in 1984. During his 17 years as a state senator, his district included the city of Kalamazoo, Richland and Cooper townships and Barry, Ionia and Montcalm counties, according to a Kalamazoo Gazette article published in 1994.
In 1977, Welborn cosponsored legislation to transfer two parcels of land, Colony Farm Orchard and Asylum Lake, to Western Michigan University to protect them as natural environments. Today, Colony Farm Orchard is now the home of the university’s expansion of the Business Technology and Research Park.
Dale Shugars, a Kalamazoo County commissioner who served as a state representative when Welborn was a senator, said the man was a public servant who cared about people and fighting for the underdog.
“He was an issue-led legislator,” Shugars said. “He was people-centered and issue-driven.”
Shugars, a Republican, said Welborn stayed true to his principals and wouldn’t sway his opinions to match party lines.
“He worked well with people in the Legislature -- they had a lot of respect for him because he knew where he stood,” Shugars said. “He didn’t lie. He didn’t play politics. He was very direct in what his position was and his beliefs.
“He would just tell you how he believes and what he’s thinking. We need more of that around,” Shugars said. “I have a lot of love and respect for him. We miss him in the Legislature, and I wish his family the best.”
Welborn also served as a member of the Gull Lake and Parchment school boards of education, Cooper Township Fire Department and for the Kalamazoo GOP, his obituary said.
Welborn was born Dec. 20, 1932 in Kalamazoo. He was a graduate of Gull Lake High School and owned Welborn Antique Shop for more than 25 years.
Welborn was married on Aug. 15, 1952, in Parchment to Dorothy Yeomans, who survives him. He is also survived by three children, several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
“He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, going to auctions and working in his workshop,” the obituary said.
He was proceeded in death by four brothers.
Friends are invited from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East G Ave. Private family services will be held Thursday.
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