Richard Lee Wells

Richard Lee Wells, age 75, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. Born April 8, 1939 in Wichita, Kansas to E.E. "Tiny" and Lucille Wells, Richard attended Fall River High School in Fall River, KS and graduated from Sedan High School, Sedan, KS in 1957. Richard served in the Army Reserve until 1962 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. While living in Leon, KS, Richard became a member of the Masonic Lodge. Married 55 years, Richard married Karen Mills on May 1, 1959. Richard attended Emporia State University in Emporia, KS receiving his Bachelor's of Education undergraduate degree in 1962. He continued his education at Emporia State University and attained his Master's in Education in 1972. Richard taught Social Science courses to middle school and high school students his entire career. In 1962, Richard began teaching in Larned High School in Larned, Kansas. This also began his storied coaching career as assistant football coach and head golf coach. Little did anyone know Richard knew very little about golf. Fortunately, Richard could relate well to students and continued to coach cross country, track, basketball and football for the next 30 years. Throughout his teaching career, Richard, Karen and his family moved to many small towns in Kansas. He taught and coached at Maize High School, Maize, KS; Leon High School, Leon, KS; Mullinville High School, Mullinville, KS; Satanta High School, Satanta KS; South Barber High School, Kiowa, KS; Blue Valley Randolph High School, Randolph, KS; Fort Riley Army Base, Junction City, KS; Miltonvale HS, Miltonvale, KS and Anderson County Junior/Senior High School, Garnett, KS until retiring in 1998. Never one to sit still for long, Richard began Wells' Lawn Service with daughter, Susan, in 1985 while he was still teaching. What started with two yards and a Snapper push behind mower, continued to grow and thrive until his retirement in January of 2014. Richard will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and educator. Former students and athletes will remember his bellowing voice, physical presence and a no-nonsense attitude. While he would deny it, Richard was a compassionate and caring man who was willing to help people and animals. An avid fan of KU Basketball, Richard was always available to Bill Self if he needed a little help coaching his beloved Jayhawks. He loved to hunt and fish with anyone willing to go with him. His family will remember him best by his nightly bowl of Cornflakes before bed. Richard was preceded in death by parents E. E. "Tiny" Wells and Lucille Wells of Garnett, KS, and brother, David Wells of Albany, MO. Survivors include wife, Karen Wells of Garnett; Richard Wells and wife Sonja of Coffeyville, KS; Susan Wildeman of Salina, KS; and Julia Wells of Huntsville, AL. Richard is also survived by five grandchildren: Kelvin Wildeman of Topeka, KS; Kate Wildeman of Pittsburg, KS; Jessica Wells of Fort Scott, KS; Nathan Wells of Coffeyville, KS; and Brenden Wells of Coffeyville, KS; and his furry best friend, Max, of Garnett. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Fredonia Cemetery in Fredonia, Kansas. Family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, Ottawa, Kansas. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com