DR. EUGENE RALPH WELLS

1929 - 2014

DR. EUGENE RALPH WELLS Dr. Eugene Ralph Wells, 84, peacefully entered into eternal life on October 31, 2014 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Gene was born on November 5, 1929 to Ralph and Margaret Crawley Wells in Hutchinson. Dr. Gene Wells loved life and was known for his huge heart and positive attitude. He considered himself "the luckiest man in the world" to have a loving family, wonderful friends, and the opportunity to be part of the American Dream. Gene graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1947, Hutchinson Community College in 1949 and Wichita State University in 1951, where he played football. Football would provide not only his education, but also great memories for a lifetime. On October 16, 1952, Gene would marry the love of his life, Carlene May Sturges. They were blessed with 62 wonderful years of marriage. After college, Gene Wells served in the Korean War in the Counter Intelligence Corp attached to the 82nd Airborne Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was a jumpmaster on 39 parachute jumps. Gene entered the University of Missouri Kansas City College of Dentistry in 1956, graduated in 1960, and returned to Hutchinson to begin his dental practice. Later, along with close friends, Dr. Howard Hollingsworth, Dr. Willis Esau, and Dr. Robert Hopkins, he opened the Hutchinson Dental Center, which became a nationwide model for advanced dental services. Dr. Eugene Wells served as Vice-President of the Kansas Dental Association and one year as Vice-President of the American Dental Association. Dr. Gene Wells is survived by his wife, Carlene, and five children and their spouses: Lindy Patton (Campbell), Pam Honeycutt (Tim), Julie Kroeker (Bruce), Randy Wells (Cindy), and Elizabeth Elliott (Tim); eighteen grandchildren and their spouses: Tricia Reavis (Wayne), Hunter Patton, Faith Stouffer (Blake), Cassie Patton, Haley Bridge (Adam), Jake Honeycutt, Hannah Honeycutt, Charlene Callaway (Matt), Maggie Kroeker, Sam Kroeker, John Kroeker, Elizabeth Wells, Matthew Wells, Dylan Wells, Sarah Blackford (Kyle), Zach Elliott, Ben Elliott, and Rachel Elliott; four great-grandchildren; Benjamin Bridge, Lindy Beth Reavis, Patton Reavis and Campbell Stouffer. Gene is also survived by his two brother and their spouses: Dr. Ronald Wells (Bobbi) and Dr. Robert Wells (Sheryl); his sister-in-law, Mrs. Leon (Pat) Wells, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Tom (Patty) Oak. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Margaret Wells; brother, Leon Wells, and his sister-in-law, Patty Oak. In addition to his involvement with Kansas and American Dental Associations, Gene was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the DOERS Sunday School class. Over the years he was involved in a multitude of civic and community organizations. He was a past President of the Elks Club, Hutchinson Kiwanis Club, and he was a member of the Masons. Dr. Gene Wells left his family and friends with a legacy of love and inspiration. He will be greatly missed. Memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2014, at Trinity United Methodist Church with Reverends Michael McGuire and Jim Rhaesa officiating. Friends may sign book Tuesday thru Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Hospice and Homecare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main Hutchinson, Kansas 67501. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries