Larry Lee Wells

Larry Lee Wells was born August 26, 1940, in Van Buren County, Iowa. He was the son of Esmond Lafayette Wells and Evangie Lorretta (Collier) Wells. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Hawaii for his four years of service, and graduated from Parsons College. Larry married Karen Arlene Brown on June 22, 1968. He worked as a custodian for Lincoln High School until his retirement in 2007.

Larry’s first priority was his family and he loved spending time with them. He had a passion for cars and enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially basketball and football. You could always find him on Sundays cheering on his favorite teams. As a younger man, Larry also enjoyed playing tennis and bowling.

Larry had a strong Christian faith and a giving nature. He was always in service to others, especially the elderly, moving lawns and gardening where needed. He was a very creative person and loved to write poetry.

Larry passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, January 29, 2018, at Trinity Center Luther Park while under the care of UnityPoint Hospice. He was 77 years old.

Survived in his loving memory are his wife of 49 years, Karen Wells; son, Nathan Wells; daughters, Tina (Lonnie) Payton and Cynthia (Jason) Villalobos; sister, Pauline Kaplan; brothers, Don (Glenda) Wells and David (Connie) Wells; grandchildren, Jay (Paige), Morgan, Elizabeth, Kelsee (Zach) and Preston; three great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends that loved him so dearly.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Esmond and Evangie Wells; brothers, Henry, Jim, Andy, Marvin and Charlie; and sister, Esther Schwerin.

There will be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2018, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA. On Saturday, February 3, 2018, funeral service will be at 11 a.m., with a second visitation one hour prior to the service, at Stockport Christian Church in Stockport, IA. Larry will be laid to rest at Spencer Cemetery with Military rites following the funeral. Luncheon will follow at the American Legion Hall in Stockport. Behner Funeral Home is assisting the family for the visitation and funeral in Stockport.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Union Park Grace Fellowship Church in Des Moines or the American Legion.