John Laverne Wells was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on January 19, 1929, to Barton Curtis Wells and Hyacinth Marcella Wells. Growing up, John was a very athletic young man. He excelled at wrestling and gymnastics as well as boxing. He was also quite the talented artist. He even had a piece proudly displayed in the principal's office of his school. John was known over the years for his extraordinary work ethic. He started one of his first jobs as a butcher at Stanford Meat Market at age 14.

In 1948 he met Coleene Coleman. Coleene had a baby boy named Terry Lee. As John put it "I fell in love with that baby, and then I fell in love with her." John and Coleene were married and moved to Bethany, Oklahoma in 1954. Together they had a son named Larry, and a daughter named Marta. Coleene passed away in 1961 at the young age of 36 leaving him a widower and single dad of 3 children.

In 1962, John married Margaret Scoles, who had a son named Monty and a daughter named Teresa.

Together John and Margaret had two daughters, Pamela and Patricia. They had a beautifully blended family of 7 children in total. John continued his work as a butcher at Beachler's Grocery and Humpty Market. He worked very hard to provide for his family over the years.

John loved having a big family and having a house full of kids. He was the very epitome of a family man.

He dedicated himself to giving his children a wonderful childhood full of affection, and beautiful memories. He had a way of making each of his children feel treasured and loved.

John played as hard as he worked. He loved hunting and fishing and was quite knowledgeable about both. He spent many summers with his kids and their families at Cedar Lake swimming, skiing, fishing, and sharing big meals together.

John lost his second wife, Margaret, suddenly in 2006 after 44 years of marriage, and also lost all three sons over the years as well as his baby brother, Floyd. These losses were quite difficult for John to endure.

In later years, John enjoyed watching old Western movies. One of his favorites was Quigley Down Under. Most of all he treasured spending time with his daughters, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and other family and friends. He loved big family gatherings, sharing memories, laughing, and playing cards. He was always especially entertained by the little ones and got so tickled when they would put on performances or play make believe. He appreciated a sassy, spunky personality, which was one of the things he loved about his sweetheart, Margaret.

John enjoyed having projects to keep him busy and wanted to make sure he was taking care of his family any way he could. If you knew John, you knew if he had a plan, he'd be up and dressed at the break of dawn, ready to execute it. He enjoyed making breakfast for you if you came to visit. He always wanted to make sure everyone was fed. It always brought him joy to be able to care for those he loved.

John was quite the storyteller and jokester. He had an ornery sense of humor. He was passionate about politics as well. He had many a heated debate with whoever would listen. For those that really knew him, I'll just say one thing "The Club Bombay incident." If you know, you know….

John charmed just about everyone he knew with that winning smile and sweet disposition, whether they were family, friends, or acquaintances. He was affectionately referred to as "Johnny" by many family members and friends. He had a way of making everyone feel special. He liked giving nicknames to people he cared about. If you got a nickname from John, you felt like you won a prize.

Probably the least of all of these things was John was one of the most dazzlingly handsome men you'd ever lay eyes on. He had twinkly blue eyes that would make your heart melt and a smile that lit up the world even at 95 years old.

To know John Wells was to love him.

He was the Patriarch of our family and helped to shape our hearts, work ethic, and loyalty for all time. In November of 2023, John started hospice care for a mass detected on his lung. His daughter, Pamela Turner and granddaughter, Sarah Turner, fought alongside him with the most loving, diligent, and selfless care for the last 6 months of his life.

John went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 3:51 pm at the age of 95. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his daughters, Pamela Turner and Patricia Nguyen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barton Curtis Wells and Hyacinth Marcella Wells; sister, Hattie Lee Bussey; brothers, Edgar Curtis Wells, Barton Clyde Wells, and Floyd Gene Wells; wives, Coleene Doris Wells and Margaret Ruth Wells; and sons, Monty Lee Scoles, Terry Lee Wells, and Larry John Wells.

He is survived by his daughters, Marta Jean Muir, Teresa Diane Orosco, Pamela Kay Turner, and Patricia Ruth Nguyen; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildre; and 3 great-great-grandchildren in addition to multiple additional family members and many friends.

John leaves behind a great legacy of love. He had an undeniable twinkle that no one will forget. As John would say when he loved someone, "He sure is a dandy," and he sure was. You were a dandy, John Wells.

We will love you and miss you always. Until we meet again.

Memorial services for John will be held on Saturday, June 8, 10:00am, at Mercer-Adams Chapel.