John Robert Welsh (May 18, 1901 – July 29, 1990)[1][2] was an electric utilities executive and noted civic leader of northwest Louisiana in the mid-twentieth century.
He also served as president of the Southwest Atomic Energy Associates, as director of the Texas Atomic Energy Research Foundation (a Texas consortium of ten electrical power companies), and as a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers, among numerous other roles at regional and national levels in the utilities industry.
Welsh's son Jack had earlier attended this institution (as St. John's High School) and returned to teach there (from 1959 to 1976), subsequently serving as president and rector.
[6] The title of Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, one of the highest papal honors bestowed on a Roman Catholic lay person, was conferred on him in 1956 by Bishop Charles P. Greco, by direction of Pope Pius XII in honor of Welsh's exemplary life of faith and service to the Church.
[2] Welsh was also very active in public affairs and received several secular awards from the local community in recognition of his municipal efforts.