Charles Edmond Wells

Charles "Charlie" Edmond Wells, U.S. Airforce (Ret.), who was born to Homer E. and Mary Athlee (McArn) Wells of Gilbert, Louisiana on March 14, 1930, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2021, at the age of 91.

He was the oldest of eight children. He grew up on the land that his family farmed for many years. In February 1946, Charlie's younger brother Henry (age 6) was severely burned so he dropped out of school at age 16 to help take care of his brothers and keep the farm going allowing his mother and father to devote their time caring for Henry.

On October 23, 1950, Charlie enlisted in the Air Force and commenced a career that would last more than 23 years and take him around the world. He started basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, TX and then was assigned to Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX for training on Aircraft and Engines. His first assignment was at England AFB in Alexandria, (LA). In May 1952, he was transferred overseas to Chaumont AFB near Chaumont, France. While at Chaumont he met the love of his life and life-long partner of 68 years Suzanne H. Valat, and they would later be married on October 17, 1953. Their first child, Jerry, would be born a year later. After four years at Chaumont, the family would return to the air base in Alexandria where their second son Robert and daughter Monique would be born. In February 1961, the family was on the move again, being transferred to Chateauroux AFB, France for three years, Terrejon AFB in Madrid, Spain for 18 months, then Eglin AFB at Fort Walton Beach (FL). After 18 months at Eglin AFB, Charlie was sent to Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam. Upon completion of his tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to Florida where he would be transferred to Ellsworth AFB on Rapid City (SD). In December 1970, Charlie was assigned to Headquarters SAC and sent to Carswell AFB, Ft. Worth (TX), where he served four years before retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sargent in September 1974.

In November 1974, after retiring from active duty, Charlie went to work with a Halliburton Company until December 1991. After retiring from the Halliburton Co., he became extremely active doing volunteer work for the Ft. Worth police department West Division as a Citizen on Patrol (COPS), a group of citizen volunteers that started patrolling their neighborhood, becoming the eyes and ears of the police, reporting any signs of criminal activity. He retired from this position in April 2002.

In his spare time, Charlie enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling to the hill country of Texas in his RV as part of a camping club. He remained active with his military family including participating in the dedication of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing Memorial at the Fremont County Airport, Canon City (CO).

Charlie is survived by his son Jerry Wells and wife Deborah of Frisco, TX, daughter Monique Wells of Austin, TX, daughter in law Jackie Wells of Ft. Worth, TX, four grandchildren: Amber, Andrea, Robert and Daniel, five great grandchildren, brother Cecil A. Wells of Tallulah, LA, sister Rose Marie Busby (Monty) of Tallulah, LA and a host of nieces and nephews.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, wife Suzanne H. Wells of Ft. Worth, TX, son Robert Wells of Ft. Worth, TX, brothers Ray G. Wells of Ridgeway, VA, James R. Wells of Bandera, TX, John D. Wells of Springdale, AR, Paul Henry Wells of Tallulah, LA, and Wade Glen Wells of Tulsa, OK.

Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Charles and Suzanne Wells will be reunited at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas TX as their final resting place.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Charlie's memory to Cuisine for Healing.