JEROLD WAYNE WELLS, JR.
Jerold Wayne Wells, Jr. was born on July 18, 1964 to Jerold W. Wells, Sr. and Brenda (Walker) Wells in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Jerold passed peacefully from this life in Ardmore, Oklahoma on September 13, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Jerold is preceded in death by his beloved Mother, Brenda (Walker) Litchfield, his Grandfather known as his GPa and also his hero, Frank (RB) Walker, his feisty Grandmother, Freda Mae Walker, his in-laws Albert L. Scott and Shirley Ann whom he sincerely admired, his Grandfather L.V. Wells and his Grandmother Leona Wells.
He is survived by Wife Sandra Scott-Wells, a nomad between Oklahoma and New Mexico the Yin to his Yang, Father Jerold W. Wells, Sr. and his Wife Judy of Davis, Oklahoma, Stepfather James Litchfield and his wife Deloris of Norman, Oklahoma, his Sister Cynthia Ann Litchfield Tacker and her Husband Jason (children James Brennen, Jarrett, Caden, Daniel, Everlyn and Everett) of Chickasha, Oklahoma, his Sister Amy Wells (children Jag and Jett) of Noble, Oklahoma, Sister Ashley Wells of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brother Chuck Wells of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a multitude of other family members and adopted family far and wide.
Jerold attended Lone Grove, Joy and Wynnewood Schools where his mother was a teacher. After graduation at Wynnewood High School he attended Murray State College and Oklahoma State University.
Jerold called himself an Artisan Craftsman due to his diversity of work. At a very young age Jerold was introduced to art. His mother was the one who encouraged his creative spirit and enrolled him in his first art class. From that time forward he could be found creating in various mediums. During his young adult years he spent time working for various cattle and horse ranches in Southern Oklahoma while creating art which he most generally gifted to others.
On March 31, 1995 he married his wife Sandra Scott-Wells, a real estate broker at the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was at that time he was introduced to one of the third largest art markets in the world. The art and architecture was such an inspiration that from that moment in time they traveled back and forth to the Northern New Mexico region for inspiration hoping one day to possibly reside there.
After they married Jerold and his wife merged their talents of her knowledge in real estate and his artistic talents to acquire, rebuild and start-up various community real estate projects in Southern Oklahoma and the Northern New Mexico region.
Over the span of 29 years he contributed to four major community projects to share inspiration to give hope and light to others. It began in his hometown of Wynnewood, Oklahoma at Oak Haven Farm. In 2006 Jerold and Sandra moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma where he spent many years living and working on East Main Street creating a living body of work on the historical buildings they owned and operated. He also helped and inspired other property owners with his keen eye for design and many artistic talents to take their structures to a new creative level. In 2014 Jerold relocated his studio space to their new residence known as BaseCamp located near Lake Murray area. He transformed that property into an immersive art retreat hosting travelers from all over the globe. In 2023 he had an opportunity to fulfill the dream of working and residing out west with the purchase of their property known as the Santa Fe Trail Ranch.
His favorite medium was metal. He could literally take a flat sheet of steel and hand fabricate it into a three dimension wonder in a matter of minutes. His vision crisp on ideas was endless. His mind always thinking in multiple dimensions. His soul resonated within his art. Despite his immense talent, Jerold remained humble, always taking time to make those around him feel special. His cheerful demeanor and positive spirit brightened any space he entered, making him a beloved friend to many. He found joy in sharing his love for life and art with others, always welcoming and unassuming. His soul resonated through each creation, a testament to the love and precision he poured into every project. Jerold's passion for community, connection, and artistic exploration was unceasing, and he remained dedicated to his vision until his final days. His legacy both in his art and the relationships he nurtured, will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. His living body of art can be found in various places around Oklahoma and New Mexico as well as at
www.jeroldwellsart.com.
Jerold requested to be cremated and taken back to his favorite place here on earth, their Santa Fe Trail Ranch. A tribute to him will take place in the Spring 2025 for friends and family. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 2pm at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.
Jerold's final statement was, "If everyone gave customer service like the customer is dying the world would be a better place." Jerold's friend Ryan stated, "Jerold was efficient in everything he did, including dying!" Jerold was under the wonderful care of Cross Timbers Hospice for only 55 hours. He kept them hopping as his needs progressed and they performed like champions! If you could find it in your heart to make a contribution to Cross Timbers Hospice in Jerold's honor that would be swell!
Cross Timbers Hospice 207 C. St. NW Ardmore, OK 73401 580-223-0655
Published by The Daily Ardmoreite from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2024.