Andre Wells Sr.

Andre Wells Sr. was born on April 11, 1956 to Bessie Wells-Reynolds (Deceased) and Ed Burney Wells (Deceased) in Pascagoula (Three Rivers), Mississippi. Andre confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age then rededicated his life to the Lord in recent years, when he joined Bethel COGIC.

Andre split his childhood between Three Rivers, MS, and Gary, IN. He attended Tolleson Elementary, graduated from Hedwig Middle School in 1971, then earned his high school diploma from West Side High School in Gary, IN, in 1975, where he participated in wrestling and football. Later that spring, Andre attended The Technical-Vocational Career Center in Gary, where he completed a course in Arc Welding MIG & Burning.

Andre continued his education at Jackson State University, where he graduated at the top of his class and was honored to lead the procession for the Bachelor of Science Department in 1978. Andre met the love of his life, Linda Wren, at Jackson State University. Upon graduating, they were united in holy matrimony in 1979. Four children came from this union.

In 1982, Andre completed The Mechanic Apprenticeship program, then completed an apprenticeship for the occupation of Motor Inspector, under the sponsorship of Inland Steel in 1993. Andre pursued education in Applied Science (Automotive) at Ivy Tech. He was awarded a certificate in recognition for his valuable contributions as the Secretary of the Automotive Club in 1998.

In 1998, Andre was also awarded a certificate of completion in Computer Aided Drafting and Design from Purdue University Calumet. Andre earned a second bachelor's degree from Purdue University Calumet, where he majored in Carpentry through the Construction Engineering and Management Technology (CEMT) program. Andre also completed Inland Steel Communications Training.

His thirst for knowledge and application did not stop there. Andre attended South Suburban College Business & Career Institute where he completed training in HVAC I, II, III, Residential Sheet Metal, Carpentry, and Domestic Refrigeration and Air. Andre also earned numerous AutoCAD certifications. He mastered a wide range of skills and generously shared his knowledge with anyone eager to learn.

Andre was a USW Union Retiree after 30 years of dedicated work at Ispat Inland Steel. It is rumored that while on the job, he designed and built the first engine hoist to be used at Inland Steel, and later noticed replicas appearing everywhere.

Andre is renowned for being kind, intellectually brilliant, generous, and unconventionally hilarious. He spent much of his time volunteering his talents and expertise for multiple charities, including but not limited to Habitat for Humanity, Father Flanagan's Boys Home, and his home church Pickens Memorial Temple COGIC, where he was a member for 40+ years. He and his sons did the electrical work for the church building in 1990.

Andre was an avid bowler and enjoyed other sports and hobbies as well: bicycling, fishing, roller skating, dancing, and cruising on his Kawasaki Motorcycle. He was quite social and cherished time with his close-knit group of friends and "the gang" - whom he affectionately and humorously referred to as "His Dummies." Andre insisted on being productive; he could often be found working on someone's car, bike, or house... "I'm busy!"

Andre was an attentive, active, and protective father. From delegating a spy team of reporting neighbors, to hiding in the bushes on surveillance as the girls walked to the park or between the properties - to even sending his eldest son to act as personal security on his daughter's first day of college in Chicago. Andre took pride in his efforts to keep his children safe, close, and well-rounded. He was a very proud father. "My seven kids, my seven kids, uh - I'm a blessed man."

Andre modeled how to love and show up for his family and community. He gave countless lectures on many topics and taught many hands-on lessons in cooking, cleaning, lawn care, construction, and car maintenance. Most importantly, Andre taught his children about Jesus and the word of God. Andre is a father that was diligent about training his children in the way that they should go. His legacy will live on.

Andre was preceded in death by his brother Atlas Nicholson Sr. and two sisters, Lythia Rose Hobbs and Linda Wells.

Andre Wells leaves to cherish his loving memory: seven children - Andre Wells, Jr., Daniel (Bre'ann) Wells, Anternette (Domi) Wells-Edwards, Victoria Wells, April Wells, Audrea Wells, and Audrianna Wells; nine grandchildren; his siblings - Michael (Joanne) Wells, Cassandra McCoy, Cedric (Freda) Young, Anthony Young, Roderick (Dorothy) Wells, Byron (Katherine) Wells, Charna Liddell, Yolanda (Henry) Burns, Lasonja Pascley, Kirkie Wells, Barbara Alexander, and Vivian Frazier.

He also leaves behind special friends who were more like brothers: James Spencer, Robert Baldwin, and Bryant Hobbs Sr. (Monique), along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and his special cousins in the Three Rivers community of Mississippi. "There is love on the Hill aside Highway 10!"

The children of Andre Wells are extremely grateful for the expressions of love and kindness shown during this time of bereavement.

All Services Saturday June 28,2025. Wake 9:30a.m. Funeral 11:00a.m. at New Friendship Baptist Church 1545 Waite St. Gary,In 46404. Professional Services Rendered by Powell Coleman Funeral Home.