Richard Lee Wells

Richard Lee Wells, age 93, of Midland, passed away January 30, 2017. The family will receive guests from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, February 3, 2017 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis Davis, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.Richard Wells was born in Bromide, OK on September 18, 1923 as the first child to Robert Lee Wells and Julia Pearl Wells. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Elgin, OK where Richard spent his school years participating in sports which included both basketball and baseball. Shortly after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in World War II, Dad proudly volunteered to serve his country at an early age of 18. He served in the Navy for two years in such locations as Oakland, Miami and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii primarily serving on a depth charge ship pursuing Japanese submarines in the Pacific. He often spoke of his experiences while serving his country. Upon returning to the states and discharge from the Navy, Richard soon married his bride of 61 years, Marie Alice Redmon, in Wichita Falls, TX. They soon moved from the farms in Oklahoma with the Redmon family to West Texas seeking work in the oilfields. There, Richard and Bruce Redmon, father-in-law, made their living for their families side by side for many years. Bruce died tragically while working alongside Richard on the same drilling rig north of Kermit, TX. Richard proudly assumed without reservation the “father figure” role with his brother and daughters-in-law. Richard and Marie started a family and soon had two sons, Jerry Lee Wells and Larry Len Wells. He loved participating in many sports with both sons, especially the sport of baseball which was his primary love. He coached both Little League and Pony League and was always present when his sons played both baseball as well as football. Richard had three grandchildren, Jason (deceased), Christi Wells Piekos, and Russ Wells. In addition, his first great grandchild, Leah Grace Piekos was born May 2015. His second great grandchild will soon be born in May 2017. Richard loved his family as all Christian fathers do. But, he especially loved his grandchildren. In addition, Richard cherished his daughter-in-law, Scherry Wells with all his heart. He often spoke of his fondness and of loving “the daughter he never had” in his family.Richard continued his long career in the production side of the West Texas oil industry. He retired in Midland, Texas after nearly forty five years.Richard was a very proud member of the Chickasaw Nation. He took great pride in his love for his Native American heritage and loved his birth state Oklahoma with all his heart. Richard will be remembered as a hardworking, principal oriented, dedicated Christian who loved his God, wife and family always. He was kind, generous and always forgiving of others regardless of the circumstances. Having lived through the Great Depression like so many others of his generation, Richard never felt “entitled”. He was a man that could be counted on if there was a task to be done. He is survived by sister, Ann Kelln Wells of Lawton, OK; sister, Beatrice Wells, of Hope, AR; sister, Judy Wells of Maude, TX; sister, Dora Wells of Pennsylvania; brother, Jimmy Wells of Lawton, OK; brother, Bobby Wells of Eugene, OR; son, Larry Wells and daughter-in-law Scherry Wells of Castell, TX; granddaughter, Christi Wells Piekos of Dallas, TX; grandson, Russ Wells of Austin, TX; and great granddaughter, Leah Piekos of Dallas.He is preceded in death by wife, Marie A. Wells of Midland; son, Jerry L. Wells, of Midland; grandson, Jason Lee Wells of Midland; father, Robert Lee Wells of Elgin, OK; mother, Julia Wells of Elgin, OK; sister, Betty Jean Wells of Elgin, OK; sister, Lola May Wells of Texas; and brother, Charlie Noel Wells of Fresno, CA.The family would like to express their gratitude towards the nurses and staff at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home, Big Spring, Texas, the nurses and Chaplain at Home Hospice, Big Spring, Texas, and the doctors and nurses at Midland Memorial Hospital, Midland, Texas.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Hospice, 111 East 7th ST, Suite A, Big Spring, TX 79720.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,