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Robert Wells Obituary
Robert "Bob" Wells
Wells, Robert Milford
June 25, 1938
October 27, 2010
SMSGT Robert Milford Wells (USAF-ret.) of New Braunfels, Texas died peacefully after a two-year battle with lung cancer October 27, 2010, at his Son Richard and Daughter JoAnne's home near San Antonio, Texas. He deeply believed in service to the country and the communities that he felt had given him and his family so much. Bob was born in Pasadena, California, June 25, 1938, the son of Thomas Milford Wells and Carol Lea MacKay. He is preceded in death by his father Thomas and his wife Akiko. Bob is survived by his Mother Carol Lea Farnham of Lenexa KS, his brother Ross (Fonda) Wells of Lansing KS. Son Richard (JoAnne ) Wells of San Antonio, Grandson Thomas Wells Active duty USAF stationed in FL, Granddaughter Catherine (Houston) Grier of New Braunfels and Great Granddaughter Brynlee Grier. Bob was loved greatly by many and will truly be missed by all. Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955 and was stationed at Johnson AFB, Japan ,where he met his wife of 47 years, Akiko Matsumoto. Bob and Akiko's only child Richard was born in Japan in June 1959. Bob was then promoted and transferred to the Strategic Air Command at Beale and Castle AFBs in Northern California supporting Nuclear ICB Missile Silos from 1960 to 1965. Bob also received his Aircraft Pilot's License in 1964. In 1966, Bob was again promoted and served at Rhein-Main AFB (Frankfurt Germany) as crew chief with full Diplomatic Credentials on the USAF Europe/NATO Airborne Command Aircraft. In 1968, Bob was again promoted and was transferred to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas where he retired in 1975. Aside from his distinguished military career, Bob was also a partner in Tri-City TV and helped his son Richard start Dailey & Wells Communications in his garage the early 70's. Bob received his FAA Airframe and Powerplant license, managed the renovation of the Saudi King's 747 aircraft with Dee Howard Company, built a Rotorway Helicopter, and founded Wells Marine who imported a 53' Motor-Sailboat from the Republic of China. Bob also worked with his son as project manager in 1990 implementing the City of Corpus Christi's Public Safety and the Central Power and Light Regional Communication Networks. Bob spent a number of years to helping Richard and JoAnne build their new home and winery. Bob was a exceptional Vintner/WineMaster until his passing.
In addition to his 15 year of volunteering of the Alzheimer's Association, Civil Air Patrol, BAMC, WHMC, and VA medical centers, Bob was also a Master Mason with the Randolph Lodge 1268, Scottish Rite, and Alzafar Shrine Temples. Visitation will be from 2:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at the Zoeller Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, November 8, 2010 at 11:00 am at the First Protestant Church. Private burial will follow at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. The family has requested that memorial contributions be given to the First Protestant Church, 172 W. Coll Street, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wells
Sponsored by Chris and Sharee Varelas.
Senator Leticia Van De Putte
November 18, 2010
Dear Friends and Family of Mr. Robert Milford Wells:
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Craig Stanford
November 7, 2010
Richard, Jodi, Thomas, Catie, Houston and Brynlee
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. Bob was such a wonderful and generous man. He had so much knowledge that he loved to share. I was very fortunate to have been one of the many people that were blessed to have had him as a teacher and a good friend. I learned so much from him and will cherish it always. You will be missed.
Shawn Hickman
November 7, 2010
I had the privilege of knowing Bob for many years as a mentor, a coworker and a friend. His wisdom and respect brought me peace during a troubled part of my own life, and I have become a better person having known him. He is one of the most honest and genuine men who brightened the lives of everyone around him. He will be truly missed. We offer our condolences and prayers for the Wells family during this time. Shawn Hickman & Family
Marco DeLeon
November 7, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Anne Rioux
November 7, 2010
I had the distinct honor of working with Bob as he began his latest career as a winemaker. His sense of humor, ingenuity at problem solving, and attention to detail made the work environment a delight. I will miss him very much!
Dan & Karen Pue
November 7, 2010
Richard, Jodi, Thomas, Catie, Houston & Brynlee: We can't begin to tell you how deeply sorry and saddened we were to hear of Bob's passing. We share your grief and sadness at the loss of your dear Father/Grandfather and Great Grandfather. What an extremely thoughtful, talented and charming man Bob was. Like all of you, we too are the better for having had the pleasure of knowing him....he will be sincerely missed, but will remain with all of us in the many treasured and fun memories we have of him. Our love, prayers and deepest condolences are with you and your family. May God Bless and keep you all.
Keith and Cecelia Alfaro
November 6, 2010
A man's greatest accomplishment is the legacy he leaves behind. Richard and his wonderful wife Jodi are two of the kindest, most charitable souls I have ever known and I consider myself blessed to have crossed paths with them. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Bob just once but knowing Richard and Jodi's generous hearts speaks volumes to Mr. Bob's character and values. God bless you, Mr. Bob.
Richard Morales
November 5, 2010
On behalf of the City of San Antonio we offer The Wells Family our prayers of support and our deepest sympathy.
Richard Morales and COSA Staff
November 5, 2010
Richard and family: our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. You have lost a father, friend and mentor; but have memories of his beautiful life to carry you all forward and treasure for the rest of your lives. We are sorry for your loss and pray for you all.
Brian & Robin Beatty and family
November 4, 2010
Richard and family we are saddened to learn that Universal City Fire Department has lost a great friend and supporter. We have not forgotten the generous gifts provided by the Wells family. Ross Wallace and UCFD staff
Sharon Slaughter
November 3, 2010
"My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow and despair. Words can't make it better. Life sometimes seems so unfair,I pray that God replaces the pain and emptiness that surely you must feel, with a bandage of beautiful memories to help your heart to heal".
David, Sharon, Amanda & Amy Slaughter
Alison McLaughlin
November 3, 2010
Dear Richard, Jodi, Katy, and Thomas,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bob was such a special, warm soul and I was blessed to know him. He will be missed. Here is a little poem I found that made me think of him.
“Do not stand at my grave and weep” by Mary Frye (1932)
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a 1,000 winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die.
Peace, Prayers and Blessings,
Corey Hoffman
November 3, 2010
We are all sadden by your loss. Dad's hold a special place in the hearts of children. Our voices will keep you and your family in prayer. Our deepest condolenses. Corey Hoffman and staff. Contiental Airlines/Airport Communications
Larry and Aline Ward
November 1, 2010
We are honored to have known your Dad, you've lost a special person. He will always remain alive in your memories, hold tight to those memories for comfort and strength. We are sorry for your loss.
Our prayers and condolences go out to you, Jodi, and your family.
Danny Najjar
November 1, 2010
Richard Wells was one of the greatest men to ever live. I'm honored to have known him, and even more honored to be related to him and the rest of his family. He will forever be missed, but he had told me before that he believed he lived a pretty full life. I looked up to him and always enjoyed talking to him, he always wore a smile on his face and never looked at the dark side of things. He was such a generous person, and was loved by all. May he rest in peace, I'll see you on the other side, Bob.
November 1, 2010
Richard,
I am blessed tenfold for knowing your father. He will always be one of the truly special people. His smile, warmth and love will stay with all of us always. Many people loved your father, including me.
Until the time we all meet again, here is to a great man.
Jim Rice
John and Rosemary Chavez
November 1, 2010
To Richard,Jodi, Katie and Thomas Our prayers are with you we are saddened by the passing of Bob, I will always remember the friendship and Instruction and the gentleness of Spirit of Bob, we are so grateful, we will miss him greatly May your family find comfort that he is now with God, free from the pain of this world. and someday we will see him once again. God Bless
Joyce Elaine Wittman
November 1, 2010
Sincerest condolences to my cousin Richard, Jodi, Tommy, Katy, Houston, baby Brimley, Uncle Bob's dear Mother, his brother and family.
May God Bless you all.
David and Barbara Holder
November 1, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mike Wright
October 31, 2010
He will be sorely missed by all......he taught us all so much....
October 30, 2010
Richard, Jodi, and family...
Every thought of Bob includes him with a smile. He was such a genuine man, and so well respected. Know that the many thoughts and memories of him will live forever.
Thinking of you all,
Jim and Teri Niedermeyer
Karen Fregia
October 30, 2010
I looked forward to seeing Mr. Wells every year when we took our trip to Las Vegas and at the Christmas party. He was such a gracious man. I have to think that he has found Ben and they are visiting...and are keeping an eye on us..wondering if Mr. Wells has joined Ben at the poker table. Richard, I share your and your family's grief. Karen Fregia
Larry Pisani
October 30, 2010
Richard,Jodi,Katy and Tommy- I know you will miss him as will I. Bob was my best friend and I was a very lucky man to have had him for a friend. I will always cherish the many mementos he made for me and all the good times we shared. Bob, you will remain in my heart always. Larry and Shirley Pisani
Statt & Pat Riddlebarger
October 30, 2010
Richard, Jodi and family,
Our prayers are with ya'll. We'll always remember your Father, his friendship and how he stood with you throughout everything you've done. It was obvious that you had a great relationship and loved each other. He will be greatly missed.
Tom Shumaker
October 30, 2010
We were so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. His caring attitude and gentle spirit made him a treasured friend. The military family has lost a true warrior, and the world is a lesser place because he is no longer in it. But the memories he made with and for you will ensure that he lives on in the lives of you and all who knew him. May you find comfort in knowing that he rests now in the arms of God, free from pain and reunited with all those loved ones who went before him. God Bless.
Tom and Pat Shumaker
October 30, 2010
Goodby to my all to best friend.Many years have passed since are friendship developed in the 1950s,are interests remained the same our love of Air Force, flying and all the other things that we did together as a team. So on your final roll call and a meesage from McGee his poem of high flight is with you and and surley God has a special place for you on his flight line. Sgt Charles R Martin
October 29, 2010
Richard and Jodi:
I treasure of meeting Bob and I wish I had more opportunities of seeing him. When I met him for the first time, I could not stop feeling his gentleness. You were very lucky having him as your father. Memories live forever and give strength.
- Kimiko Smith
Bill de Valcourt
October 29, 2010
To Richard, Jodi, Katy, and Thomas
I know you will miss him. He was a good friend and I will always cherish the pen, pencil, and box he made for my 80th birthday.
Anchors aweigh, Bob
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