Kenneth Wade Welborn

A loving and beloved father, brother and son, Kenneth Wade Welborn passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2022 at the age of 63. Wade retired a Captain from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2009 after 31 years of diligent service. After joining the Office in 1978, he served as a uniform patrolman, Commander of the Central Substation and liaison to the District Attorney’s Office. Wade was honored to graduate from the 207th Session of the FBI National Academy and earned education through several other courses and programs over the years including the LSU Law Enforcement Academy and Institute. In the years after his retirement, he served as part of the security team for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, proud to work with his brother (Jimmy) and father, who had been commissioned to create it several years earlier.

A 1977 graduate of Central High School and an accomplished athlete, Wade was among the first there to be selected to an All-American football team. He was a strong follower of his family’s tradition as he valued and loved history, with a special fondness for that of law enforcement. Absorbing the lessons and stories of his father and other veteran officers, he often spoke accurately of events that he would have been too young to experience when they occurred. Wade was a member of Central Masonic Lodge #442 and also served as a board member on the Amite River Basin Drainage & Water Conservation Project. He also held memberships in the Fraternal Order of Police, FBI Academy Association, Louisiana Peace Officers Association, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and the Central Rotary Club. He was named Peace Maker of the Year by the Lions Club in 1988.

Throughout his years in law enforcement and beyond, Wade was well liked and respected by all those he worked with, from his own agency and so many others. To those who knew him more closely, he was loved far and wide for his dedication to family and friends, strong backbone and good humor. A solid anchor, a loyal advocate, a voice of reason, the life of the party – Wade was all of these and so much more. If the nature of his job sometimes called for a no-nonsense approach, he was best known for a smile that could light up a room, a caring nature and a kind heart. Most of all he loved the simplest things in life like having a cup of coffee and a biscuit, sitting on the back porch with his beloved dog, Sadie Mae, and son, Blake.

Left to cherish Wade’s memory are his son Blake Welborn, his pride and joy from the day he was born; mother Anna Mae Welborn; brothers John "Coker" Welborn, Jr., Doug Welborn and Jimmy Welborn (wife Tammy). He is also survived by nieces Erica Welborn Malone (husband Ryan), Lindsey Welborn, Skylar Welborn and Piper Welborn; nephew Colby Welborn; great nephew Gabriel Malone; great nieces Dulcie and Juniper Malone and numerous cousins. Awaiting Wade in Heaven are his father, John Welborn, Sr.; brother Billy Welborn; sister Darlene Anne, who entered the world with Billy and Jimmy and preceded him after only three hours on earth; and great nieces and nephews Ryan, Landen and Lauren Welborn and Joseph "Little Joe" Malone.

Though he left us far too soon, Wade leaves behind wonderful times to remember, stories to tell and solid examples to be followed until his ultimate reunion with family and friends in Heaven. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Central Funeral Home, 9955 Hooper Road from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 PM with procession to graveside service at Resthaven Gardens of Memory to follow.

From the original obituary.