Donald C. Wells

Don Wells, our much loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away at home in Maricopa, AZ on March 18th at the age of 83. Dad was born in Hazelton, Idaho, on November 20, 1933. He grew up around farming in the Hazelton area before enlisting in the Navy in 1951. He served for 3 years in the Navy as the ship’s electrician and those who knew of Dad’s fondness for a good practical joke are not surprised that the Captain nicknamed him “Sparky.” Dad negotiated his best deal when he married his sweetheart, our mother Helen, in 1952. Together they had 3 sons. Always having a love for agriculture and gift for closing a deal, Dad worked a variety of sales and farming jobs before joining New Holland in 1961. He began his New Holland career as a sales rep and retired in 1991 as the manager of retail stores in North America. He, and the company store people who worked for him, gained a reputation not only for their ability to deliver results for the company, but for playing as hard as they worked. He believed in hard work and this work ethic combined with his dynamic personality propelled him through a variety of management positions during his career. Dad and Mom made many treasured friends throughout his life, and those they made through their affiliation with New Holland are among some of their most special. After retiring, Dad and Mom traveled throughout the West in their motorhome, eventually settling in Willcox, AZ, in 1993. They found the people of Willcox to be warm and welcoming, and they spent many happy years as a part of the community. Dad especially enjoyed being a member of the local Elks club. Dad’s hobbies included fishing, collecting and polishing rocks, wire wrapping and watching NASCAR. Many family memories were made camping, riding motorcycles and arguing with his brothers over whose was the fastest. Above all else he valued his family, good friends, and good times. His most favorite hobby was spending time with you all, telling his jokes and stories and generally entertaining the crowd. He was the life of every party and we will sorely miss his wit, sense of humor and bigger than life personality. Dad was preceded in death by father James Wells, mother Maudie (Jenkins, Wells) Ayers, and step father John "Mac" Ayers, Sisters Lela Faye Wells, Jewel Wells, Wanda Jean Wells and brother Glenn Wells He leaves behind Helen, his wife of 64 years, sons, Donnie "Chuck" (Susie), Jerry (Linda Davis), and Ron (Jan Rehmus). Grand Children Donnie, Jessie (Clayton Gibson), and Jamie; Great Grand Daughter Lucy Gibson, Brother Lonnie Ayers (Rita) and sister Jackie Wells Sanders (Wade Sanders) as well as many nieces and nephews. Our thanks to all the friends and family who called, visited and stayed in touch with us over the years. It meant everything to Dad. The family would also like to thank Dad’s caregivers for their kindness, diligence, and dedication. We love Dad very much and will miss him every day.

Donald C. Wells

November 20, 1933 - March 18, 2017