Welton Elisha Spikes was born on August 22, 1951, in Newton County, Texas, to the late Reverend Joshua Spikes, Sr., and Sarah Etta McCarter Spikes. He was raised in the Wiergate/Indian Hill community alongside his brothers and enjoyed a simple childhood in the beauty of East Texas. Welton was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Thelma Spikes and two brothers, Chuck Spikes and Lester Spikes.

At an early age, Welton accepted Christ and developed the values of faith, hard work, and service that would guide him throughout his life. He received his early education in the Burkeville Independent School District and graduated from high school in 1969. Welton continued his education at Prairie View A&M University where he excelled academically and graduated summa cum laude in 1973 with a degree in engineering. While attending Prairie View A&M, he met and married Vanessa Carter. Two children were born to this union, Tujuana Chanel Spikes Slater and Courtney Dante Spikes. Although the marriage was later dissolved, Welton remained a devoted father to his children. He later married Thelma Jean Ranson and gained a two year old son, Frankie that he raised as his own.

Following college, Welton worked in the boilermaker and pipefitter field. Though skilled in his profession, he also possessed the heart of an artist. He had a passion for painting and created many beautiful works that remain cherished by family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and spending time around a domino table.

In 1982, Welton answered what he considered his true calling and enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country with honor and distinction for 30 years, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring at the age of 60. His military career reflected his dedication, leadership, and commitment to service.

After retirement, Welton returned home to the Indian Hill/ Wiergate community where he embraced life as a rancher and farmer. He found joy in the land, in growing things, and in the peaceful life he loved. Through his kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit, he touched many hearts and fostered much love among those who knew him.

Welton departed this life on June 3, 2026, at his home. He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved children, Tujuana C. Spikes Slater of Kansas City, Missouri, and Courtney D. Spikes of Dallas, Texas; bonus son, Frankie Ransom; six granddaughters, Ariana Todd of Memphis, Tennessee, Tamia McFaughlin of Dallas, Texas, Sydney middle panel - page numbers do not print Slater of Kansas City, Missouri, Kaylynn Spikes of Augusta, Georgia, Shunie Brown of Sacramento, California, and Lymia Creighton of Dallas, Texas; two grandsons, Cameron Slater of Kansas City, Missouri, and Trequan Eley of Hampton, Virginia; six great-grandchildren, Andre, Skye, Amora, and Junie Todd of Memphis, Tennessee, Kaleah Slater of Kansas City, Missouri, and Cory Eley of Hampton, Virginia; he is also survived by six loving brothers, Wadie Spikes of Houston, Texas, Preston Spikes of Prairie View, Texas, Joshua Spikes, Jr., of Kirbyville, Texas, Perry Spikes of Kirbyville, Texas, Lawrence Spikes of Jasper, Texas, and Cortez Spikes of Beaumont, Texas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members, and dear friends. Welton's legacy of faith, service, creativity, and love will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.