Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Herbert Wells Jr.

About

University of California| Berkeley University of Nevada Las Vegas University of Nevada Reno

Herbert Wells Obituary

HERBERT WELLS JR. Herbert Clayton Wells Jr., 82, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010. He was born in Omaha, Neb., April 11, 1927. Herb earned a B.S. in geology and an M.S. in mining engineering at U.C. Berkeley, following the advice of President Hoover and his son after meeting them while in New York following his discharge from the U.S. Army. Herb came to Las Vegas in 1957 to work for Timet, but was downsized by the launch of Sputnik. He became the plant engineer for the Blue Diamond Mine, and was asked to teach a surveying class for what was then an extension of the University of Nevada, Reno. From there, he was asked to develop what would become the engineering department at UNLV. He saw his department become a school of engineering and then a college of engineering. Herb was deeply committed to education and engineering, often convincing young people to go to college, and college students to change majors to engineering. He was an unwavering advocate for his students and many UNLV alumnus credit Herb's enthusiasm and support as the reason they have their degree today. Although he officially retired in 1997, Herb continued to teach at UNLV through this semester. Herb was active in Boy Scouts, continuing as a committee member and merit badge counselor after stepping down as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 848. He provided support for his daughter's Girl Scout Troop for many years. Herb is survived by his wife, Melissa; and children, Elysia, Vernon, Nick, Jon, Jay and Mary. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, on the UNLV campus, in the Richard Tam Alumni Center. A scholarship is in the process of being established in Herb's honor. Memorials may be sent to the UNLV Foundation for Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering Herb Wells Memorial Scholarship, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, P.O. Box 451006, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1006. For information, contact Christine Wallace at (702) 895-3965, or [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Apr. 4, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Wells

30 Entries

Earl Timpe

June 30, 2022

I'm sorry it took me this long to check up on Mr. Wells.
He will be missed. Herb was my college advisor and my first engineering instructor (1969-74). I'm one of the many students he convinced to become an engineer.
Thank you. It has served me well.

Jared Wells

March 24, 2011

Its been a year. Happy after life Daddio!

jared wells

January 29, 2011

It is coming up to ten months since Dadio died.

Jared Wells

November 18, 2010

This Thanksgiving Season reminds me of how grateful I am for having a wonderful father: Herbert Wells

Jared Wells

July 17, 2010

Love Yah Dad. I miss all the Summer Fun Stuff we did like camping and Bar-B-Que in the back yard

Michael Ken Matsumoto

June 14, 2010

I was shocked to see Dr. Wells passed. I was part of his last full semester in 2009. Age never slowed this man down. Dr. Wells was a walking library. I learned more from his class than all of my other classes put together. Dr. Wells survives through all of his students. I am sad that I will not have the opportunity to have another class with him. Rest in peace Dr. Wells. "Do you know what the difference between a civil engineer and a mechanical engineer is? Civil makes the targets, mechanical makes the weapons."

Jared Wells

June 8, 2010

It is almost fathers day. Hard to believe I can't call Daddy. Just hope he hears my prayers.

jared Wells

May 21, 2010

I just thought of a question to ask Dad, and for a second thought, "I'll just give Dad a call and ask him..." It is still hard to believe Herbert Wells won't be around to give a lecture, anymore.

He was always reading something

April 26, 2010

From the UNLV

April 26, 2010

Tina Close

April 25, 2010

Herb Wells....the man who took in this little Communications Major, and converted me into Engineering. He brought me into the college with his arm around my shoulder, introduced me to friends I still have today. Although I am now a math teacher, Herb continues to influence me; as I want to have the enthusiasm he did for teaching, and want my students to love learning, because he did that for me. He never let me give up, and always gave me the encouragement I needed. Thank you Herb! UNLV Engineering will not be the same. He will never be forgotten. God Bless!

Jon Hayslip

April 20, 2010

Professor Wells was like the bouncer at a night club. He always wanted to you come in and enjoy your stay. He helped through my years @ UNLV and without his support, I never would have finished. I sincerely thank him for his efforts and my behalf. He will be greatly missed.

James Porrazzo

April 20, 2010

Dr. Herb Wells was one of the greatest proponents of Engineers and Engineering that I have ever had the pleasure to learn from. The world is a smaller and darker place without him. God Bless.

Kyle Kisebach

April 15, 2010

God speed Herb; your life spent impacting me and so many others for good is really something to contemplate and to follow.

April 10, 2010

A wonderful man! He and his wife provided MANY opportunities for me to grow. I was a struggling college student with a horrible past and NO support! The Wells's gave me sense of worth! I will always be indebted! May your afterlife be beautiful- You were an inspiration to me on earth!!!-Linda

Harry Reed

April 9, 2010

Herb was the reason I became an Engineer. He knew me before I was born and my parents even longer. He will be missed.

Frenchman Mt. Searchlight Beam Spot Dedicated to Herbert Wells

Jared Wells

April 7, 2010

Here is a recent Searchlight Beam Spot shining on Frenchman Mountain, that I dedicate to my Father: Herbert Wells.

Donald K Pennelle MD PhD

April 6, 2010

We miss him. We love him. I miss him. I love him.

Janelle Klein

April 5, 2010

Herb was one of the main the reasons I became a Civil Engineer. He was a great mentor and advocate for students and student activities. He was loved and will be missed.

Russell Chang

April 5, 2010

I took class from Dr Wells in 1960 at the UNLV. I missed his humor and his wealth of knowledge on all matters. Dr Wells was instrumental in me continuing my education to obtain my BS and MBA. I will miss him and give my sinceres Condolences to the Family of Dr Wells. Thank you Russ Chang.

Doa Meade

April 5, 2010

Herb was more than a professor or an advisor -- he was a mentor and a friend. I first met Herb in 1993, when I declared my major in Civil Engineering. He kept us on the path to graduation and encouraged so many women to become engineers. UNLV, all of Las Vegas, will definitely miss Herb. Always in our hearts....

Justin Major

April 5, 2010

We'll miss you Herb, I've known you for 7 years, you've been a great neighbor to us; the Major family.

Wendy Fenner

April 5, 2010

Herb was one of those individuals who could make a lasting impression on you. 20 years ago Herb convinced me that I had what it took to become an engineer. I am grateful to Herb for the doors that he opened for me and many of my colleagues. The Las Vegas community owes Herb a huge debt of gratitude, for without his recruitment skills (a.k.a. arm twist with a smile), perserverence, and belief in us, we would not be able to enjoy the fruits of prosperity that grew so abundantly throughout this valley for the past 40+ years. Thank you Herb for all you helped us accomplish, you will always have a cherished place in our hearts.

We will all miss you DAD

Jared Wells

April 4, 2010

I will definitely miss my Father, Herb Wells, his wealth of knowledge, humor, stories and his overall positive outlook on things. It will be the warm friendship and family get together, I will cherish the most. I will do my best to help carry his fine legacy into the future.

April 4, 2010

I totally agree with the comment about Dr. Wells supporting his students. He gave me an interest in geology and he is probably the only reason I was able to receive my B.S. from then NSU. I went on to teach for 33 years. Thank you, Dr. Herb. Mahalo, Nancy Smith Rose; Hanalei, Hawaii

Christine Wallace

April 4, 2010

My thougths and prayers are with you all. Herb initially greeted me with a four-hour historical overview of the college. I can't tell how often I have referred back tot hose notes. I will miss him and wil do my best to carry onhis legacy of promoting the engineering and computer science profession. Christine Wallace

Ruth Roark

April 4, 2010

Herb Wells was my first boss when I was a student attending what was then Nevada Southern University. He was the most cheerful enthusiastic individual I ever met. I never heard him say a mean thing about anybody (and I was his secretary). He was a tireless advocate for students.
Whenever I met him in years later he always acted like I had just seen him yesterday and he never forgot my name. What a guy!!

Jerry Routh

April 4, 2010

Troop 848 Boy Scouts of America will certainly miss Herb. Not only was he a wealth of information as Merit Badge Counselor, but also was a great friend to the boys and other adult leaders. There will be an empty spot in the "Old Goat Patrol."

Anthony Cormaci

April 4, 2010

Im sorry for the loss of my good friend Herb,and his family's loss. I will surely miss him and our talks we have had for many many years.He was a very fine man.

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results