Gene Ray Wells was born on June 15, 1930 to Frank "Ellis" Wells and Ina Mae (Barnes) Wells in Arnett, Oklahoma. He was born at the beginning of the Great Depression which impacted Gene by making him a lifelong saver, wasting nothing because "I might need it later." Being the first born, he didn't have a sibling, but he had a cousin, Wayne Apple, who he grew up with and remained close to until Wayne's passing.

Gene's father was an automobile mechanic and the owner of a small airplane. They lived in the back of the ABO Garage, keeping a few chickens for eggs and a cow for milk. That is where he developed his love for all things mechanical. He was a good student, making the honor roll and having perfect attendance. His love of maps and geography might have started in 1936 when he accompanied his parents on a road trip to Texas and California. While in high school, Gene helped his parents renovate a small house into a home that his mother lived in until 1986.

Gene shared his father's love for planes. He had his first flying lesson at the age of 7 even though he couldn't reach the pedals in the plane. He and his father volunteered together at the local airport, painting the name of the town on the roof of the main hanger during his senior year of high school. Gene graduated in 1948 from Arnett high school in a class of 20. He remained close to many of his classmates and attended the annual Alumni event for many decades.

After high school he followed his cousin, Wayne Apple, to Wichita, Kansas where he got a job at Boeing, then chose to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1951 for 4 years. During that time, he was sent to Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa for training and then served at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL, Castle Air Force Base in Merced, CA, and Amarillo Air Force Base. Gene served as an airplane mechanic where he worked on B-47's and then on the B-52's. While stationed at Castle Air Force Base he was assigned as a crew chief in the 328th Bombardment Squadron for SAC (Strategic Air Command). He was honorably discharged as a Senior Aircraft Mechanic, Airman 1st Class.

Upon discharge in June, 1955, Gene enrolled at the University of Oklahoma where he pursued his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Electrical and Structural Aeronautical Engineering. He was able to work some summers at Boeing in Wichita and returned there upon graduation as an engineer. Gene worked on structural issues for the 747, as well as structural modifications on the B-52. He performed wind tunnel testing on the planes that he was assigned to.

In Wichita he met Hilda "Gail" Lindsted, a student of Chemistry and Microbiology at Wichita State University. They were married on March 8, 1963 in Wichita by her father, Leonard Lindsted, who was a minister. The young family settled into a home in Wichita and were joined by daughters, Dana, Carla and Jana.

During one of down times within the aeronautical industry, Gene left Boeing and moved to Oklahoma City for a job with Western Electric, then moved to Southwestern Bell and later AT&T where he worked as an engineer until he retired. During his tenure he designed and supervised the transition from analog to digital switching for the telephone service in the state of Oklahoma.

Gene and Gail both had interests in science which allowed them to develop many hobbies. These interests would inspire both of them to volunteer well into their 80's. Gene enjoyed volunteering at the Oklahoma Science Museum, finding the kids' questions an important part of learning. He was a lifelong learner himself and would use his computer to look up anything that he didn't have the answer to. Gene would join the local Astronomy club, build a telescope and travel with Gail for nighttime viewing of the stars. He also volunteered for the City of Bethany on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustments for many years with the goal of making the city a good place to live.

Gene enjoyed taking his family on road trips in the family station wagon. After retirement Gene and Gail enjoyed traveling together to further locations in Europe and Alaska. Some of the later road trips even included grandchildren. He maintained close contact with many of his cousins and would regularly call to check up on them even after he turned 90. Gene celebrated his 95th birthday in June with a family gathering, receiving cards and well wishes from family, friends and even the Governor.

He is survived by his wife, Gail, of the home in Bethany; daughters, Dana (Matthew) McFarland, Carla Wells, and Jana (Luke) Green; grandchildren, Veronica (Alex) McConnell, Andrew McFarland, Rachel Green and Kathryn Green; one great-grandson, John McConnell, with an additional great-grandchild to arrive in the summer.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, Ellis and Ina Wells; his parents' in-law, Leonard and Helen Lindsted; his sister, Joann Woodworth; and great nephew, Matthew McCool.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Gene's name to Oklahoma Science Museum Science Museum Oklahoma | Oklahoma's Largest Science Museum or Bible Truth in Prophecy at Home | Bible Truth in Prophecy  (see links below).