1939
Russell
2018
Russell Douglas Wells
September 9, 1939 — October 29, 2018
The son of Russell Trigg Wells and Thelma Louise Brenz, he was born September 9, 1939 in Kirksville, Missouri.
Russell is survived by his wife, Sharon Carole Wright; his daughters, Christine Carole Wells Eason, 48, of Ballwin, Missouri, and son-in-law, Richard Eason; and Rebecca Diane Wells-Albers, 43, of Portland, Oregon, and son-in-law, Nathaniel Albers; grandchildren, two, by Christine and her husband, Richard; Kaitlyn Jane Wells Eason, 10, and Dylan Colt Wells Eason, 7; Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, In lieu of siblings, Russell was very close to several cousins including: Brian Bloskovich of Kirksville, Mo.; Dwight Hart of Greentop, Mo.; Sam Elliott of Kansas City, Mo.; Jack Wells of Palmdale, California; and Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Jack Bloskovich of Kirksville, MO.
Russell was born September 9, 1939 at home in Kirksville, Mo., and later moved to several farms and attended several one-room country schoolhouses including Prairie View and Illinois Bend.
In his youth, Russell performed at several area events, fairs and festivals, showcasing his animal training expertise with his horse, Bessie, and several of his family AKC show Collie dogs, particularly King. He was an active member of 4-H.
He attended Kirksville High School where he excelled in practical arts, particularly woodworking, and, among other good-spirited shenanigans, was an accomplice in the relocation of a Volkswagen car to the third floor of the high school. He used his lunch money for shooting pool instead of nourishment.
Inspired to pursue a college education by his mother, Louise, Russell continued his study of woodworking at Truman State University (then Northeast Missouri State Teachers College). Russell served honorably in the Missouri and Iowa Army National Guard, and was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, Agriculture Club, and the Student National Education Association. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts education in 1962 and Master of Arts in Practical Arts in 1965.
While attending Northeast Missouri State, he met the love of his life in 1961, Sharon Carole Wright. They were married in 1966 and began a 52+ year adventure of travel, education, stewardship, and community service. Russell was a proud member of the Shriners and Masons, a member of Bethel United Church of Christ and St. Peters United Church of Christ, and a trustee of the Wedgwood Subdivision Neighborhood Association.
Russell taught in Fremont, IA, Oneida, IL, and Eureka, MO, before teaching at Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant, MO for 24 years.
During his career, Russell published several woodworking curricula, and developed the first dedicated practical arts course for women, Girls Home Mechanics. He was the president of St. Louis Chapter of the American Industrial Arts Association and received the Hazelwood Central High School Teacher of the Year Award in 1990.
Driven by their love of learning, Russ and Sharry traveled extensively with their children, often by way of lengthy RV road trips over summer vacation. Travel expanded the family’s world-view and instilled a deep understanding, appreciation and respect for nature and the environment, and people and cultures everywhere. In addition to Canada and Mexico, the family visited all 50 states, and explored the history and beauty of dozens of National Parks, monuments, forests and prairies.
Within minutes of setting up camp, Russ would strike up conversation with fellow campers, or lend a hand on an RV or car repair. Eager to share new experiences with his family, he would wake his daughters before dawn to watch a sunrise across a farm field, observe a mama bear and cubs strolling through an alpine forest, raft a raging river, or paddle a gentle Ozark stream.
Following retirement, Russ and Sharry travelled internationally to Tahiti, Israel and England.
A stranger to none and a neighbor to all, Russ’ legacy is an example of generosity, love and service to God, nation, family and friends. He always sought first to understand.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Fort Madison Cemetery, with Masonic and Military rites at the graveside. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, November 10, 2018 at St. Peters United Church of Christ, 1425 Stein Road, Ferguson, Missouri.
To continue Russell’s legacy of charity, community, stewardship, and education, please consider a donation to the Russell D. Wells Endowed Scholarship for Teacher Education at Truman State University. Donations can be made online at: https://apps.truman.edu/alumni/givingform. Please note the Russell D. Wells Endowed Scholarship for Teacher Education fund in the comments section.
Arrangements under the direction of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, Kirksville, www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell Douglas Wells, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Graveside Service
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Fort Madison Cemetery
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