Harry E. Wells

Harry Edwin Wells, 79, passed away on Aug. 8, 2020, at Research Hospital in Kansas City. The son of Marion Francis and Lillie Edith (Gamble) Wells, Harry was born on Feb. 6, 1941.

He spent his formative years in the Schell City area, graduating from Schell City High School in 1959 as salutatorian. Shortly after the completion of his education, Harry proudly served his country in the United States National Guard. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart Carol Jayne Schmidt on Sept/ 12, 1964. To this union, one daughter was born, Robyn Fern Schmidt Wells.

Immediately after completing his education, Harry went to work as an apprentice carpet layer in Kansas City. He then took a job at Furniture City/House in Butler until he and Carol purchased Main Street Feed Station and Town Square Hardware.

Working hard all his life, Harry was a business leader in the Butler community and often laid carpet after closing up in the evenings. Along with this, he served as a school board member of Hudson R-9, a project leader of the Hudson Hustlers 4-H, and coached softball for many years. Harry remained an avid sports fan all his life, playing and coaching, as well as supporting his family and neighborhood youth at their many practices, games, and activities.

Throughout Harry’s life an unyielding dedication to his faith, his wife of 55 years, and family remained constant. He spent many happy hours teaching and guiding his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in the ways of the world. He began his Christian walk when he was baptized at the “Little Red Bridge Creek” in Schell City, Missouri in 1949. He then started attending Pleasant Gap Christian Church in 1968, where he served as a deacon and elder as long as he was able. Harry further taught Sunday school and served the church in many capacities over five decades.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Francis and Lillie Edith (Gamble) Wells; an infant brother, Marion Wells; five sisters: Lillie Souza, Hazel Green, Mary Gilmore, Bettie Fox and Cordelia Reed.

He is survived by his wife Carol; daughter, Robyn (Rob) Eckhoff; two granddaughters: Kirstyn and Kalyn Eckhoff; two sisters, June Gardner and Dorothy (Sam) Vantellman; and one brother, Robert (Dorothea) Wells; sister-law, Elayne (Don) Hillsman; along with many extended family and dear friends.

There was a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City with Brother Jim Knight officiating.

Music was by Jill Fischer “In the Garden,” Pianist Congregational Hymns “How Great Thou Art,” “It is Well with My Soul.” Brenda Black Soloist and Song Leader “Wonderful Peace.”

Casket bearers were Craig Hellwig, Kaleb Hellwig, Matt Donnohue, Matt McIntire, Matt Brownsberger and Kenneth Taylor.

Honorary casketbearsers were Mick Hellwig, Mike Durst, Kim Diehl, Gary Bollwig, Brett Harkrader and Brad Diehl.

Interment was in Green Mound Cemetery, Harwood.

Memorials can be left at Appleton City Fire Department or Pleasant Gap Christian Church.

Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City. Web site: www.hillandson.net.