Samuel "Sam" Bentley Wells

Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia Lyon Wells; his five children, Natalie (Steve LeBaron), Jeffrey (DeAnn Wells), Valerie (Steve Sheldon), Gregory (Emihlie Wells), and Loralie (Cory Mathews); 25 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Gordon Wells and Amy Viola Wells, and his siblings, Gordon Wells (Annette), Kathleen Wells, and Joanne Tingey (Earl Tingey), now reunited as a complete family.

Raised on a farm in Logandale, Nevada, Sam learned the value of hard work while caring for animals and crops, fixing and driving tractors, and developing skills that shaped his life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a full-time mission in the Great Lakes area from ages 19 to 21.

Sam married and was sealed to his high school sweetheart, Patricia Lyon, in the St. George, Utah Temple on September 7, 1961. Their marriage was built on faith, partnership, and commitment.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and later completed his master’s degree at California State University, Long Beach. In 1964, Sam and Pat moved to Anaheim, California where they purchased their first home--a place filled with family, faith, and lifelong memories.

Sam dedicated more than 33 years to teaching at Buena Park High School, specializing in auto shop, wood shop, metal shop, math, and adult education. He found great joy in helping students develop practical, enduring skills.

Cars were one of Sam’s lifelong passions. He loved building and tinkering with dune buggies, including rail and fiberglass builds, and created many treasured memories traveling to Glamis, Pismo Beach, Dumont Dunes, and El Mirage with his buggies. He also spent countless hours helping family, friends, and neighbors with their vehicles. Sam had a special love for VW Bugs as well, proudly racing at Ascot Raceway and naming his VW Bug “Stormin’ Mormon.”

Adventure and travel brought Sam great joy, particularly time spent in his motor home creating lasting family memories, including one summer journey through 26 states.

Throughout their lives, Sam and Pat faithfully served in many ward callings and devoted more than 20 years to temple service in the Los Angeles and Newport Beach Temples. In 2007, they were blessed to serve an 18-month church mission in Nauvoo, Illinois—an experience they cherished deeply, strengthening their faith and creating memories they would hold close for the rest of their lives.

Sam believed deeply in the Plan of Happiness and the promise of eternal families. He knew that this life is not the end, but a step forward in God’s eternal plan.

Above all, Sam was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful friend, and steady example of kindness, service, and integrity.

He will be truly missed and forever remembered.

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Zoom link for the Celebration of Life https://zoom.us/j/97259217882

Viewing - Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Service - Saturday, January 24, 2025 at 11:00 am

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4000 West Orange Ave.

Anaheim, CA 92804

Graveside Dedication to follow at Westminster Memorial Park

14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683