Douglas Dee Wells

Douglas was born in Omaha Nebraska on December 20, 1944 to Richard Henry Wells and Lois Eileen Wells (Ryschon). In 1947 the family moved to Phoenix, AZ. His father died when he was only 9 years old. As a teenager Douglas worked at AJ Bayless Grocery Store in south Phoenix. In 1964 he joined the Navy. After two tours of duty during the Vietnam war he went to work for A.M. Lewis food service as a warehouse receiver while pursuing a business degree at Phoenix College. In 1972 introduced through mutual friends, he took a chance on a blind date and met the love of his life Jean McManus. She had three children, John, Charlie and Tammy Faherty. In October 1972 they welcomed their daughter Elizabeth. Separated by Jeans death in 1999, they were married for 28 wonderful years.

In 1990 Doug went to work for Sysco Food Service as a receiver on the dock where he retired in 2012 after 22 years. In 2004 he met the second love of his life Janice Gilliland (as he put it he was lucky enough to have two angels in his life). They met thru her son Jeff who was renting his mothers house next door to Doug’s residence. There were a few problems with the yard at the rental and Doug happened to belong to the neighborhood watch group. He asked the group not to issue a citation that he would try to get a hold of the owner who lived in Chandler. Doug asked Jeff to have your mother call me. And the rest is history. Even though they were never actual neighbors he liked to say he married the girl next door. Janice and Doug were married April 6, 2009 together for 22 years until his death. As it turned out their children already knew each other from living in the same neighborhood and attending the same high school. In fact Janice had pictures of one of Doug’s sons in her family album. Doug already knew all three of her boys and her brother due to renting out her house to each of them at different times. So the blended family idea worked perfectly for all of them.

Douglas Wells was an absolutely wonderful human being full of goodwill toward others, compassionate, patient and generous. Always thoughtful in his words and deeds with a truly excellent sense of humor. His presence was bigger than life yet his quiet demeanor showed he never liked the spotlight. Everyone that ever knew him was better off for the encounter. He was just one of those satisfying people. His hobbies were wood working and just d.i.y. projects. He made many very nice and useful pieces of furniture. Kitchen cabinets, dressers, hope chests, china cabinets, He could repair most anything around the house. Built a very large storage shed that was as nice as any little church on the prairie. Remodeled bathrooms and kitchens, put up patio covers. He was self taught regarding his many skills.

Preceded in death by his parents Lois and Richard Wells, first wife Jean, son in law Jason Fischer. Stepfather Buster Neese grandsons Evan Faherty and Treneth Gutridge

He leaves behind his wife Janice brother Robert Neese (Gloria) daughters: Elizabeth Fischer (Axel) Tammy Odom (Chris) stepsons: John Faherty (Leeda) Charlie Faherty Steven Gilliland (Michelle) Jeffrey Gilliland Ryan Gutridge

Grandchildren : Jacob Fischer Jordan Reid-Hirsh (formerly Fischer) (Corbin ) Robert Odom Allen Odom Daniel Faherty Eli Faherty Brittany Scott (Josh) Maci Shugars (Steve) Leticia Gutridge

Great Grand Children: Austin and Nathan Odom Jaylen Baylark Tahani Lopez

A Celebration of Life will be held at Desert Christian Fellowship, located at 1445 W. Northern Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85021, on September 20, 2025, starting at 12:00 pm.