WELLS, Richard Lee - b. February 21, 1939 - d. August 31, 2026

[patyrn]

Richard Lee Wells, age 87, of Grenola, Kansas, passed away on August 31, 2026 at his home.  He was born February 21, 1939 in Hale, Missouri, the youngest child of six born to Hugh and Lela (Hundley) Wells.

Richard's early education was in a one-room school in Tina, Missouri, graduating from Tina-Avalon High School in 1956.  He worked at Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas before marrying Renee Welborn on July 19, 1959.  Richard and Renee were married for 62 years until her death on March 29, 2004.

Richard and Renee lived in Winfield, Kansas and Douglass, Kansas before moving to Grenola, Kansas and purchasing the lumberyard and hardware store there in 1963. Richard continued this business and also established Wells Lumber and Hardware in Burden, Kansas, retiring after 45 years in the retail business.  He was a member of the Grenola Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for 25 years.

Survivors include four children, Melanie (Todd) Hockenbury, Debbie (Darryl) Littrell, Jeff (Janelle) Wells, and Denise (Jake) Liebau; his brother, Donald Wells; 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Renee; and three sisters and a brother.

Graveside services were held on September 4, 2026 at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Grenola, Kansas. Memorials have been suggested to either the Grenola Senior Center, the Grenola Fire Department, or Joseph's Storehouse in Burden and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services were under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.
 
(taken from the Countryside funeral Home websigte)