Dr. Earl C. Wellington

Dr. Earl C. Wellington, 82, passed away on October 23, 2024, in Harlingen, Texas. Earl was a devoted husband and father who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.

Earl was born on September 27, 1942, in El Reno, Oklahoma, and grew up in upstate New York. Earl attended Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts. He continued his education and training at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, earning a Doctor of Medicine in 1968. After medical school, Earl began a career of service to his country and community as a Major in the U.S. Air Force and as a physician. Earl practiced medicine for over 50 years, including as an internist at Baylor Scott and White and Valley Diagnostic Clinic and as the Chief Medical Officer at Harlingen Veterans Affairs Clinic. Following his retirement from the VA, he traveled domestically and internationally, serving as a locum tenens physician in understaffed hospitals and volunteering with international aid organizations. Earl was particularly passionate about his work with Project Hope, where he traveled to Thailand, Cambodia, and other nations needing medical aid. Most recently, Earl worked at the Port Isabel Detention Center and volunteered with Culture of Life Ministries.

Earl's commitment to service was paralleled by his devotion to his family and faith. He was a kind and gentle man known for his compassion and humility. He had a profound faith and served God through his ability to care for others' medical needs. He was also an active member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church. Earl was an enthusiastic world traveler, and he enjoyed swimming, skiing, hiking, and reading. He cherished time spent with his wife, shared passions with his daughter, and had an exceptional bond with his son. 

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Mayra Wellington; daughter, Nikki Wellington; son-in-law, Chris Bertha; son, Josh Wellington; granddaughter, Poppy; sisters, Mary Daly and Ann Marguet, and their spouses, Rich Daly, and Louis-Henri Marguet; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gladys Wellington.

A service honoring Earl’s life will be held at St. Alban's Episcopal Church on November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Earl’s memory can be made to St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 1417 E Austin Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550, honoring his commitment to his faith and community.

Earl's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched in his professional and personal life, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.