John-Jose Connor Welsh

John-Jose Connor Welsh, age 20, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Born on September 18, 2004, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Connor was lovingly adopted by John and Valeria Moses Welsh, who gave him a home filled with love and laughter.

Connor lived life with open arms and an open heart. His energy was magnetic. When he entered a room, it lit up with his contagious smile, joyful spirit, and quick wit. To know Connor was to love him. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and included. Whether it was a stranger or a lifelong friend, Connor treated everyone with kindness and respect.

A true Southern soul, Connor loved the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, and camping brought him peace and joy. He had a deep love for trucks and was saving up for a new one, often spending time watching YouTube videos and teaching himself how to fix just about anything. He was naturally curious, clever with his hands, and endlessly resourceful.

Connor was a proud LSU fan and rarely missed watching a football or baseball game. He was also a skilled soccer player, competing in tournaments with the Calcasieu Soccer Club from age 11 to 15, and later representing Barbe High School on the field. His sense of sportsmanship carried into all aspects of his life. He was a team player, a loyal friend, and a young man of strong character.

A man of faith, Connor showed the love of Christ not just in words, but in how he lived. He had a heart for service and was active in community outreach, always looking for ways to help others. After beginning his college journey at LSU in 2023, he later transferred to McNeese State University to be closer to home, because, for Connor, family was everything.

He is deeply loved and will be forever missed by his parents, John and Valeria Welsh; his sister, Mia Mishel Welsh; his maternal grandmother, Deborah Cooley Fontenot; his maternal grandfather, Hershel Moses; his maternal step-grandmother, LaVerne Moses; his paternal grandmother, Sheila Breaux Richardson; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends.

Connor left an imprint on every heart he touched. His joyful spirit, respectful nature, and unwavering kindness will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 11, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, with Rev. Jerry Parmentier officiating. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, and will resume on Monday at 9:00 AM until the start of the service.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Breaux, Barryn Cox, Owen Thomas, Jacob Johnson, Jace Manuel and Bentley Ortego.

We would like to thank our family and friends and this community for the outpouring of love and support we have received through this terribly difficult time.

Please consider making a donation in Connor’s memory to a charity of your choice.