Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Dec 9, 1954 - Feb 15, 2026
Sending my condolences. Melvin and my brother, Lamont Randall (now deceased) were good friends when I was growing up. I'm also from Gary, Indiana and now live in Spring, TX.
Kimberly Robinson
March 02, 2026 | Spring, TX | Friend
Condolences to family very devastating hear about my friend we work together nothing but memories rip soider
Mr. Roy Denise Mitchell
March 02, 2026 | Gary, IN | Coworker
My Prayers and Condolences to the Wells family. Rest in peaceful power Melvin. Your smile was uplifting. Thank you for the conversations.
Felecia Edwards
March 01, 2026 | Gary, IN | Coworker
My sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and close friends of Coach Wells. You were a prominent figure in most of our high school lives. Definitely, never will be forgotten. Rest now, Coach.
Lew Wallace c/o '93
Nikko Mapson
March 01, 2026 | Gary, IN | Student
Sending our condolences.
Majestic Therapy
February 28, 2026
Melvin wells was a great co worker of mine at Indiana University and friend
Michele Smith
February 28, 2026 | Gary, IN | Coworker
Melvin always had a smile and a brightness that was uplifting. I worked with him at IUN. Rest in peaceful power my friend. You will always be missed. Thank you for always making me feel appreciated.
Miriam Williams
February 28, 2026
My condolences to the family
Leora Crockett
February 28, 2026 | Gary, IN | Friend
My condolence are with you and your family! Hold on to all of those cherished memories!
Lutisha Shittu
February 28, 2026 | NC
Melvin Darnell Wells, age 71, of Gary, IN passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 9, 1954, to parents Lola Jean Wells and Lonnie Wells. He was one of seven children.
Melvin started his career of coaching in 1981 as a Biddy Basketball Coach. From there he went on to coach many sports at middle school and high school levels including basketball, football, track, & volleyball, just to name a few. He enjoyed sports. He would even referee in his spare time. He loved coaching and connected with so many of the youth throughout the community.
The most cherished part of his career took place at Lew Wallace High School where he coached and mentored many students and athletes. He was a coach and security guard there until he announced retirement in 1995. After retiring from coaching, he later joined the staff at Indiana University Northwest, helping maintain campus facilities.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Wells; brothers: Emmanual Wells and Gregory Vaxter; sister, Alonda (Robert) Barnette.
He is survived by his mother, Lola Jean Wells; loving wife, Marilyn Wells; three daughters: LaKisha (Michael) Geredine, Tanisha Wells, Melody (Larry) Wells; son, Darnell Wells; brothers: Anthony Vaxter, Raynell Vaxter, and Rodney Wells. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his loving grandchildren: Dayvian, Diamond, Doncero, Jayden, Santea, Sanaiya, Aaliyah, Amora, Aaron, Lauren, Chaniquiia, Dominique and great grandson Santana and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.
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