William Holmes Wells Jr.

William is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Rae (Hayes); son Mark Wells; son Tim and his wife Sandy Wells and their adult children Braden and Baylie Wells and Corey Markoski; Daughter-in-law Beth Wells; Sisters Linda, Agnes, Marcia and Melissa; and many, many dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents William H. Sr and Helen (Matchuk) Wells; and his son William H. Wells III.

Bill was born on June 6, 1943 in Syracuse, New York. He graduated from Syracuse Central Technical High School in 1962 and joined the Air Force in October of that year. On May 1, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Rae, and later that year the Air Force moved them to Duluth, MN. Bill was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1966.

Following his military service, Bill went on to work for several manufacturing companies in Duluth including Barko Hydraulics and Reach-All. In 1985 he and his family moved to Denver, Colorado for better job opportunities, and over the next 20 years he worked for a number of companies in the field of organizational development, most notably with AMPEX Data Systems Corporation and Melco International .

Bill was a deeply religious man throughout his adult life and served in several church congregations. He was ordained a Deacon, then Elder and finally Associate Pastor in his later years. Bill had ultimately found that his calling in life was ministering to others, and he was committed to serving those around him up until the end of his life.

Bill was known for having a great sense of humor. He rarely missed an opportunity to crack a joke or say something funny. Those who knew Bill are likely able to recite one of his many corny sayings or silly phrases. Bill enjoyed watching sports, especially NASCAR and the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball and football teams. He was an avid reader, and he also enjoyed anything related to aircraft and flight. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bill is being cremated and a Celebration of Life is being planned.