Alton LeRoy Wells

Alton LeRoy Wells, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Bend Oregon on Saturday, the 12th of July, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Arkansas City, Kansas on March 31st 1938 to Roy and Billie Wells, Al spent his early years in Joplin, Missouri, and completed high school years in the towns of Harper and Anthony, Kansas. In 1957, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served in Newfoundland until his honorable discharge in January of 1961.

In May of 1964, Al moved to Medford, Oregon where he began his career in sporting goods at the Big Y Shopping Center. Known up and down the west coast for his experience and knowledge, Al carried his passion for fishing and the outdoors into managerial positions at Disco, Bazaar, Blackbird and as part owner of Big Bear Shopper. He was also instrumental in founding the Southern Oregon Bass Club, combining his love of fishing with his gift of building community.

While working at Big Y, Al met Sandra Kay Jones, marrying her in the early summer of 1968. They would spend the next 57 years of marriage together until his passing.

One evening on his way home from work, Al decided he would open a hotdog cart, so he could be his own boss and go fishing whenever he pleased. Not only did that dream come true, but that spark of inspiration turned into a local legacy throughout the years. Al proudly served thousands of customers from 1987 to 2001, full of humor and warmth along the way. Voted "Best Hot Dog Cart in Medford," Al eventually operated three carts, with his main cart parked in front of GI Joes, and became a fixture at the Jackson County Fair, and school events as well.

After retiring in 2001, Al and Sandy enjoyed traveling in their motor home, wintering in Arizona, golfing, playing cards, soaking up sunshine, and visiting family and friends in Kansas and Missouri. And of course, Al never missed a chance to go fishing.

Known for his natural athletic ability, musical talent, song and dance, and quick wit, Al was quite the entertainer. Al was always ready with a song, joke, trick, story, or clever remark. He brought laughter, light and unforgettable stories to all who knew him.

Al is survived by his devoted wife Sandy; his brother Jim Byford, his children Taressa Laurance, Mitchell Wells, McKenzie Wells-Lesser, and Alissa Watson; his grandchildren Hazel, Hadley, and Wells Watson, and Sydney Lesser; his great grandsons Micah Machado and Gabriel Knight.

Al is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward Wells, sisters Margaret Cline, Shirley Windsor, Sandy Espinoza, and granddaughter Jordan Knight.

Family will be gathering on October 12th to celebrate Al's life and legacy in Medford, Oregon. If you would like to attend, we kindly ask you contact the family for details.

Al lived a life full of passion, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him.