Donald Ray Wells

Donald Ray Wells (Donnie) passed away on Wednesday, October 08, 2025. Donald was born to Rhias and Vivian Wells on May 26, 1935. He remained to live his life in Baytown. He grew up in an area known as Pelly and ran with what was known as the Pelly Rats. He graduated from Robert E Lee High School. Upon finishing school, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. Donald received a Good Conduct Medal and Expert Rifle certification in the Light Infantry division. It was there that he met the love of his life, Anneliese. They married and upon his discharge both returned to Baytown to begin their life together. They raised two children, a daughter and son, Jeanette and Andre.

Donald was always a very hard worker and an excellent provider. His adult work history began at the Baytown Gas Company. He later moved on to successful career positions at two local chemical plants, USI and Exxon. Exxon was his place of retirement where he excelled in process instrument repair for the entire plant in his own shop. The Exxon Volunteer Fire Department welcomed him as a member where he excelled as a firefighter and EMT. He and his team actually won a World EMT Competition. He cherished his teammates and being a part of the entire organization, also teaching and certifying students at Texas A&M.

As a longtime member of the Baytown Masonic Lodge, Donald was of high character and had many friends. Having never met a stranger, he was a people person to say the least, always willing to help anyone. Being very mechanically inclined, he could create and repair anything he put his mind to, which benefited many throughout his life. His workshop was the place he loved to be.

Donald is preceded in death by his father, Rhias Wells, mother, Vivian Harrison, brother, Thurman Wells, and stepfather, JC Harrison.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Anneliese E. Wells; daughter, Jeanette Mathieu; son, Thurman Andre Wells and his wife Sherry Wells; grandsons, Dustin Lee Wells and Landon Mathieu and wife Bernice Mathieu; and great-grandchildren, Willow Mathieu and Maverick Mathieu.

Donald loved God, family, and friends. He will truly be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnels to Towers, or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas 77521 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A chapel service will be held Friday, October 17, 2025 at the funeral home chapel from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by a graveside service at 12:00 pm at Sterling White Cemetery, 11011 Crosby Lynchburg Road, Highlands, Texas 77562.