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Nolan Wells Obituary
October 19, 1931 - October 28, 2011
Nolan Kenneth Wells went to be with the Lord on October 28th, 2011 shortly after celebrating his 80th birthday in Redding, CA. His life began in Vinita, OK on October 19th, 1931 with his parents Ira Nolan and Zealand Marie Wells. He was the oldest of six children: Dane, Don, Carolyn, Clenton, and Brenda.
Nolan's life was filled with music – he played the lead in South Pacific in high school and worked his first job at the local theater. After attending Abilene Christian College in Abilene, TX, he met the love of his life, Joann Tipton at a church beach party in Reedley, CA. When he was drafted to Korea, he and Joann corresponded while he served in the U.S. Army. They were married on August 3rd, 1956; after which, they had five beautiful daughters. He proved his work ethic when he began his career with Bank of America filing checks and worked his way up to become the Regional Vice President. With each promotion, the Wells family relocated to a new California city – Visalia, Dinuba, Watsonville, Merced, Madera, Eureka, Bakersfield, Fresno, Stockton, Clovis, and finally Redding.
With leadership in his blood, Nolan became committed to each local Church of Christ where he taught, ministered, and led singing in every new city. He taught his five daughters to sing in four part harmony, a gift they still enjoy today. After retiring from Bank of America in 1992, Nolan served as the President of Redding Rotary. Nolan's life was exemplified by service. Whether he was cooking "Okie" meals for his family, grilling during the summers at Sierra Bible Camp, serving as an elder in the Church of Christ, or giving back to his community through Rotary; he was known as a man of humility, character, and integrity. His love for the Lord and commitment to His work was evident to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Nolan fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
Nolan is survived by his bride Joann, his five daughters and their spouses – Thann and John Boyce, Kelli and Pete Nicolay, Jamie and Dennis Nixon, Erin and Phil Baker, and Brook and Eric Magrini. His family has grown to fifteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be available at McDonald's Chapel on November 4th, 2011 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. A celebration of Nolan's life will be held on November 5th, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at The Anderson Church of Christ with a brunch reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sierra Bible Camp.
Please contact McDonald's Chapel for more information: (530)241-2256.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nolan Wells
Lloyd Seagraves
November 9, 2011
I was greatly privaledged to work with Nolan in Madera (at the Church, of course) Probably the best song leader I know. He and JoAnn were always so pleasant and inspiring to my late wife Janice, and myself. To say he will be missed by everyone his life blessed is to trivial. Love Lloyd
November 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Darrell, Terri, Callie and Annie Golden
Doug and Robbie Skelton
November 7, 2011
Dear Aunt Joan and Cousins...Life has changed forever with the passing of Uncle Nolan. My heart grieves with you and will miss his hearty laugh and his generous hospitality anytime we happened to pass through Redding. Yet the knowledge of him in heaven, with our Lord gives me peace and solace. I love you all and will continue in prayer for all the family, that you may be comforted during this time!! Blessings to you all!!!
Karen & Ron Clark
November 6, 2011
We are so sad to hear of Nolan's passing. I had the honor of being in your parent's wedding years ago and then enjoyed attending College Church of Christ with all your family. You all were such a wonderful family and an inspiration to all.
Mack Davis
November 5, 2011
My heart goes out to all the Wells family on Nolan's passing. He was such a tremendous example for me and so many others in the way Christians should live. I will miss him dearly and we can all take comfort in seeing him again "When We All Get To Heaven". I pray for God to bless and comfort Nolan's family.
Rob & Cheryl Meyer
November 5, 2011
We mourn for the departure of one of the Lord's most devoted servants because he is no longer here with us, and we miss his leadership, his wonderful singing voice, and the charisma of a man with the love of Jesus in his heart; but we rejoice that he now stands in the presence of God and looks upon the face of his Master, and we look forward to standing there beside him one day and singing in glorious harmony.
Randall Yelverton
November 4, 2011
I will always remember Nolan Wells as one of the most honorable and digified men I've ever met. Nolan shared the gift of 'straight talk' with everyone he ever dealt with. A true gentleman. Best wishes to the family.
Carmen & Art Shoffner
November 4, 2011
Dear Joanne and family, Art and I were so saddened to hear of Nolan's passing. He is a wonderful Godly man and will be truly missed. Psalm 116:15 says, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. We all know that Nolan is in a beautiful place with the Lord and we will see him again soon. Our love to all!!
Lovingly, your friends,
Art and Carmen Shoffner
Ron Bradley
November 4, 2011
Dear Joanne and family
Nolan was a man of God, loved by him and all who knew him A man among men! I am sorry for your loss.
In Christian Love,
Ron Bradley
Roy and Virginia Meyer
November 4, 2011
Our hearts are saddened for all the family whom we dearly love but we rejoice in knowing the Nolan is with his Lord and Savior whom he knew and trusted. May you all have the strength to hold together through this time of sadness. We hold dear memories of Nolan and Joan. And Roy treasures the Bible Nolan gave him when we left California.
Joyce Redden
November 3, 2011
Dear loved ones of Nolan, he will always be with you. He loved you all. We all loved him, Also you are loved by all. May Gold bless and be with you during this trial... My prayers and love....Joyce Redden and family
LaDonna & Tommy Aitchison
November 3, 2011
My daughter enjoyed your home and family throughout the years. She has fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Wells.
Prayers and love to all.
November 3, 2011
Dear Ones..Our hearts are heavy with sadness over Nolan's passing. He was such a strong influence in our lives. We rejoice in knowing he is in God's hands. Our love, Mary & Clark Bangsund
John Sandhofner
November 3, 2011
Mama Jo, Thann, Erin, Kelli, Jamie, Brook and Family- Words fail to express my sadness at the passing of Nolan. What a man! Thanks you for sharing him with all of humanity. What a godly man! What an example he was. What a mentor to many. Time will slowly take away the constant ache, but the wonderful memories will always remain. God be with all of you in the coming days.
All our love, John, Kathleen and family
Janie (Jackman) Ostrander
November 3, 2011
I was Nolan's Secretary when he worked at B of A in Merced and he was a wonderful boss. We cried when he left. He was a great man and my thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Jeannette Oliveira
November 3, 2011
I worked with Nolan in Merced, and found him to be one of the kindest, most patient men I ever worked with at the bank. I have such fond memories and am praying for all his family and loved ones.
In Christ,
Jeannette Oliveira
November 2, 2011
You are in our memories.
Ben and Cathy Stinson
John Dunlap
November 2, 2011
Nolan was a great friend and even greater companion. He leaves a hole in life that will never be filled.
Kriste Kehm
November 2, 2011
Love all of you!
Diane Geiger
November 2, 2011
Dear Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I share in your loss of my former boss, dear friend, and neighbor.
Please let me know if there is any way that I can be of help if needed.
Judy Simpson
November 2, 2011
Nolan was a man I always looked up to. His smile will be remembered by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of sorrow.
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