Christopher Alan "Chris" Wells

Christopher (Chris) Alan Wells, 65, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Stormont Vail Health Center, Topeka, Kansas after a short and courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 19, 1959 at Lawrence, KS, the eldest son of Robert (Red) and Charlotte Dick Wells. Chris and his beautiful wife, Jan (Huckabay) Wells were married May 26, 1984. They celebrated 40 years of marriage with many family and friends this past May. She survives at home.
Chris is also survived by his mother, Charlotte Wells, Meriden, a daughter, Jamie Wells, Topeka, his son, Brian Wells, Topeka; three grandchildren, Briley Wells,Topeka, Camden Wells and Brayden Webb, Topeka; a brother, Bruce Wells (Susan), Topeka, a sister, Pam Holaday (Todd), Holton, and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy R. Wells and his father.
Chris was a 1977 graduate of Jefferson West High School and later attended Emporia State University. He worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Topeka as a Group Rating Assistant in Actuarial Research for two months shy of 40 years.
Chris was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. His kids and grandkids were his pride and joy. Chris coached Brian's youth sports and was always there to help guide him and Jamie through life's trials. He spent quality time with his grandkids playing games, helping with homework and taking them on trips. He loved his nieces and nephews and many times attended their events and was always their biggest fan. Chris adored his family and loved gatherings with family and friends. Family events usually included a competitive card game, and of course, Chris wanted to win! Chris' many friends would tell you he always had a joke or story to tell, he never knew a stranger and genuinely loved life. He was an avid coin collector, liked golf and was passionate about his Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. Chris and Jan loved traveling with friends and family, going to concerts, listening to live music, and finding new breweries.
Chris was also dedicated to his Church and community and was a member of the Knights of Columbus (KOC) and was a 3rd Degree for 12 years. He was currently serving as the Program Director and Advocate for the Kof C. and also often volunteered at God's Storehouse in Meriden.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Meriden. Interment will follow at the Meriden Cemetery.
Parish Rosary will be at 5:00pm, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, with Visitation following until 8:00pm at the Church. On the day of the visitation and funeral, the family asks you to wear your favorite KU or Chiefs attire in honor of Chris. While we will all miss his smile, zest for life, laughter and loving spirit, we know Chris is in Heaven with his dad and brother, meeting many new strangers and living his new life to the fullest.
Memorials suggested to God's Storehouse, Meriden or Organization of donor's choice, and can be sent in care of the Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. barnettfamilyfh.com