Les Wells passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the age of 70, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, teacher, coach, and dear friend. His kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and unmistakable spirit will be remembered by all who knew him, especially the many lifelong friends who meant so much to him throughout his life.
Les was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, where he graduated from Austin High School in 1974. His love of sports and education led him to a career in teaching and coaching. After graduating from UTEP, he began his career with EPISD and spent more than 30 years at Mesita Elementary School, where he was known and loved by generations of students as Coach Wells.
Teaching was an important part of who Les was and something he took great pride in. He built strong bonds with his students while sharing his love of sports and encouraging them to believe in themselves. He was proud of the role he played at Mesita and of the many years he spent there. The relationships he built extended well beyond the classroom, and being called “Coach Wells” remained a meaningful part of who he was.
In 1985, Les married the love of his life, Elizabeth Cole Wells. Together, they shared 41 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, friendship, and countless memories. They raised two daughters, Brianne Kawamura and Jaclyn Wells, who were among Les’s greatest sources of pride. He was incredibly proud of the women they became and cherished every part of being their dad.
Family was at the heart of Les’s life, but so were the friendships he made along the way. He had a remarkable ability to turn friends into family, and many of those friendships lasted for decades. Les also had a deep love for music. He genuinely enjoyed listening to music and, just as much, talking about it—sharing songs, memories, opinions, and recommendations with his friends and family. Music was another way Les connected with the people he loved, often becoming the start of a good conversation, a shared memory, or a story that could go on for hours. Whether through teaching, coaching, sports, music, or simply sharing a good story, Les had a way of making people feel like they belonged.
Les was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Wells and Allan Wells. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his daughters, Brianne and Jaclyn; his sister, Bridget Reese; extended family; and the many dear friends and former students whose lives he touched.
Les will be remembered for his big heart, his generosity, his love of sports, his dedication to teaching and coaching, and most of all, his love for his family and friends. He gave so much of himself to the people around him, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched and the many stories that will continue to be shared about him.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm with a celebration of life at 11:00 am at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of El Paso or Hospice El Paso in Les’s memory.
