David E. Wells

HARVEYS LAKE — David Wells, of Harveys Lake, died on March 1, 2023. He was a native of Chicago, Ill., and was the oldest of seven children born to artists Millard and Jeanne (Hanson) Wells. David traveled some distance before pursuing his full-time career as "Painter Laureate" of Darlington, Md. Although he was urged by his parents to pay more attention to math and English, his time in class was spent secretly drawing.

David attended Proviso High School where he enjoyed learning art, drafting, and art history. He graduated with honors and won the National Scholastic Art and Architectural Design award. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in North Dakota and later Vietnam. After returning to civilian life, he took night courses at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. During the day he worked for a cardboard display manufacturer, then later he became a designer for a trade show exhibit company. These life experiences allowed for him to became part owner in Exhibits East in Wilmington, Del. His craftsmanship was routinely seen at trade shows, as he was a prime exhibit contractor for DuPont.

In 1980 he moved to Darlington, Md. He spent his time sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, and recorded life through his watercolor paintings of historical landmarks and estates in the region. His appreciation of painting grew over time to include airplanes such as the P-51, F8F Bearcat, and so on. During this time, it was not uncommon to find him painting in his historical log cabin home, sharing his love of classical music with his neighbors, and walking with his dogs.

In 2006, David connected with the love of his life, Alexia (Stackhouse) Hall-Bubb. David relocated to Harveys Lake. His life with Alexia blossomed. The two of them could be found at local festivals selling his artwork, watching the Met's latest operas, working the pits at the Reno Air Races, working on commissioned artwork, or enjoying the time on the dock with friends and family while watching life gently rolling by.

David was known by all as a gentle-giant and he had a lust for living. He had many interests such as becoming a licensed glider pilot, participated in competitive sailboat races on the Chesapeake and the Atlantic Ocean, commodore of the Harve de Grace Yacht Club, an enthusiastic participant of the Checkered Flag Club at the Reno Air Races, a routine viewer of NASCAR, and a supporter of the Met Opera and classical music. His biggest joy was listening to an opera while watching a muted NASCAR race and reading the New York Times. He was awarded the American Spirit Award by the U.S. Air Force. And he received numerous awards for his artwork that specifically focused on scenes in and around the Chesapeake Bay area.

He is survived by his wife, Alexia Wells, of Harveys Lake; stepchildren: Raymond Hall of Atlanta, Ga.; and Nicole Hall of Swoyersville; brother, Paul, Illinois; sister, Joel, Illinois; brother, Robert, Florida; and sister Wendy Sage, Florida.

Interment will be held at the convenience of the family at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., Shavertown.