Richard Allen Wells

Richard Allen Wells, 80, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on September, 15th, 2025 at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, one day before his 81st birthday.

Richard was born on September 16th, 1944 to Zip and Dolores (Allen) Wells in St. Joseph, Missouri. Where he attended St. Joseph Co-Cathedral and Christian Brothers High School.

Richard worked as a newspaper route delivery carrier both before and after his service in the Army.

Richard proudly served our country in the Army during Vietnam War. Here he was utilized with his precision on firearm repairs, and then his attention to detail as a night watchman. This later led him to his 35+ year career as a security guard, until his retirement.

Many knew Richard to be a family man, and a strong man of God. His hobbies included classic cars, especially Corvettes, mechanics, and playing vintage video games with his grandchildren.

Richard was united in marriage to Nellie Susan "Sue" Dilley for 24 wonderful years, she survives of the home. They met while Richard was working as a security guard. Their dates frequently were at the Carnegie Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon and taught Sunday school.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Michael Lee Wells (1976), and sister, Dolores Ann Wells (2023).

Survivors include, his wife, Sue, of the home, daughter, Sonja Terrell (Anthony), brother, Robert Wells (Debbie). Grandchildren, Marina Buckner (Joe), Mikaela Capps (Jackob), Matana Estrada (Samson), along with 5 great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include, nephew, Brandon Wells, niece, Carissa  Crabb, and great-nephew, Oliver Crabb.

Cremation has been entrusted with Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 2:00-3:30PM at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel at 3609 Frederick Blvd - St. Joseph, Missouri. Military Honors will start at 2:00PM, then followed by a memorial service, officiated by Pastor, Jacob McMillian. Inurnment to take place at a later date at Ashland Cemetery, in St. Joseph, Missouri.