Lawrence Elton Wells

Lawrence “Larry” Elton Wells, 78, passed away November 26, 2017. Lawrence was born February 6, 1939 to Pearl Irene (Devine) Wells and Minnis Elton Wells in Lewistown, Montana. Lawrence served time in the Marine Corps and Army Reserves. After his military service he married Mary Elizabeth (Fee) Wells on November 18, 1967 in Hawthorne, CA. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. In 1972 Larry and Mary gave life to daughter Melinda Ann Wells in Long Beach, CA and in 1975 they gave life to son Eric Lawrence Wells, in Lakewood, CA. Larry graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management. He spent much of his working years employed with various defense contractors in Southern California and he retired in 1995 from Northrop Grumman. After Larry retired he took on a second career. He went back to school and got his certificate to become a substitute teacher. He substitute taught for several years. Larry moved to Newton, KS in 2004. He enjoyed playing cards with the guys from the Lodge on Wednesday mornings. Larry enjoyed art, fishing, travel, and westerns. Larry liked to paint watercolor birds. Many of his paintings were displayed throughout the home. He also had works displayed at Carriage Factory in Newton, KS. A few years back he even entered artwork into the county fair. Larry is survived by his wife, Mary Wells; daughter, Melinda (Wells) Green; son, Eric Wells; son-in-law, Garrick Green; grandchildren, Graedon and Emelie Green; sister-in-law, Helena Fee; sister, Elva Juchtzer; as well as many other family and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Minnis Wells; mother, Pearl French; daughter-in-law, Faith Wells. The Memorial Service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 4, 2017, at Salem United Methodist Church, Newton KS. Memorials have been established with: Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main St., Newton, KS 67114; and Shrine Plane of Mercy c/o Midian Shrine, 130 N. Topeka St., Wichita, KS 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.