Nolan Kenneth Wells

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