Brothers,

Once again the Grand Architect has seen fit to call one of our brothers to the Grand Lodge above. Worshipful Brother Don was a past master of Mulvane lodge and served Freemaosonry faithfully for 67 years! His funeral arrangements and obituary are as below: 

• Visitation:
• Mulvane United Methodist Church
• 107 S. Central
• Mulvane, Ks 67110
• Monday, July 15, 2024 10AM
• Service: 11AM

Obituary: 

Donald E. Wells crossed over to eternal life on July 2, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in his Mulvane home of 53 years.

Though Don spent the majority of his life in Mulvane, he and his twin sister Dorothy were born May 21, 1933 to their parents Roy and Mary Wells in the height of the Depression in Washington County, KS. His family was forced to sell their farm to satisfy creditors as a result of the Dust Bowl and then moved to Northwest AR with little more than the clothes on their back. In AR, Don would carry his and his twin sister’s books on their walks to their lessons in their one-room schoolhouse (and often do her homework after the day’s end). From this humble background, the character traits and passions that characterized his life (devotion to family, a love of the land, studiousness, hard work and giving back to the community) catapulted him to a very successful, long and well-lived life.

Don met his wife of 59 years, Wanda (also of Green Forest, AR) in Wichita. Shortly after they married, Don was drafted into the US Army and, after being recognized for his leadership during basic training, served 2 years in the army chemical center in MD. Following his discharge from the army, Don enjoyed a successful career as an industrial engineer in the aerospace industry. Don and Wanda enjoyed taking breaks from the hard work of raising their family and building Don’s career by going square dancing. Don also never stopped giving back to the community and being recognized for his unwavering efforts - he was elected President of the Jaycees and selected as an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1969. Don ultimately transitioned into management, ending his career at Ratheon (Beechcraft) as a Vice President working on a major aircraft program for the US Air Force.

Don’s hard work and diligence paid off and he was able to retire at age 58 and enjoy a very long “second act” mastering his true passions - gardening and woodworking, fishing, hunting quail with his hunting dogs, playing golf, reading and exploring his family’s genealogy. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Council Grove and later in life made beautiful custom furniture for his friends, family and the community, flag holders for veterans and a display case that is currently in the Mulvane Historical Museum. Don also graduated from a beautiful vegetable garden in his backyard to becoming a master gardener and a founder of the Mulvane Community Garden, which now bears his name. He also served on the Mulvane Tree Board for many years. After his beloved wife Wanda passed away in January 2016, Don reconnected with a long-time friend Shelby Conley who gardened by his side. Shelby was Don’s angel of mercy with her kindness, love and dedication to him that continued until his last day on earth. Shelby loves to cook, especially from Don’s garden. Given Don loved to eat, they were a match made in heaven.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Wells, three sisters Gladys Wooten, Betty Crouse, Nina Eastburn and one brother Max Wells. A beloved “Papa”, Don is survived by his twin sister Dorthy Vaughan, daughter Terri Pippert (Bill), son David Wells (Dennis) and daughter Pam Wells (Eddie), along with his beloved partner Shelby Conley, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren as well as his constant canine companion, Lexus. Don is leaving a lovely legacy in both his family and the Mulvane community. All are welcome to join us in celebrating his life well lived on Monday, July 15, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Mulvane United Methodist Church, 107 S Central Ave., Mulvane, KS. Private burial for the family at the Mulvane Cemetery.

The service will be live streamed on the United Methodist Church website and can be viewed at a later time on the Mulvane United Methodist Church Facebook and YouTube pages. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Drive Thru Food Mission at the MUMC or the no kill animal shelter, Beauties and Beast, in care of the Smith Family Mortuaries.