WELLS,
Kenneth "Ken"
Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ -
Posted: Saturday, November 15, 2014 -
Kenneth (Ken) Wells, 88, passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 in Havasu
Regional Medical Center surrounded by his wife, Barbara; daughter,
Jenise Soukup; granddaughter, Allyson Townsend; grandson, Ethan Burke;
brother, Gerald Wells and loving stepchildren and friends.
Ken was born in Maplewood, St. Louis County, Mo., Sept. 29 1926 to James
and Marie Wells. Due to ill health, the family moved to Southern
California in 1930 to enjoy the sunshine and drier weather, settling in
Pasadena, Calif. He made friends everywhere and had a memory full of
stories and good and bad jokes.
He loved sports and played softball and baseball until he was in his
late 30's even making it to some major league tryouts. He delighted in
playing golf in his 40s and his 80s. He even worked at many courses as a
starter. He began building golf clubs and a few of his grandchildren
have "Made by Grandpa" clubs.
In 1975, Ken married his "Bobbilu" (Barbara Contopulos). Since both had
been married before, they brought children to their union. Ken: two
daughters, Melinda Sue and Jenise Ann. Barbara: four daughters, Daina
Lee, Donna Lyn, Christine and Sheryl Ann.
Ken has a total of fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren
with number thirteen, a little girl to join the clan in January 2015.
Sadly, she will never get to meet her great-grandpa to receive his
wonderful hugs and kisses.
Ken has friends dating back to elementary school and many newer friends.
Also nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Melinda; his parents, Jim and
Marie; sister, Kathleen and cousin Edward.
A private ceremony of remembrance will be Nov. 26. If friends want to
attend please contact wife, Barbara, havasubarbie@frontiernet.net;
daughter, Jenise, jasoukup@gmail.com or grandson Ethan,
ethanburke@hotmail.com.
His favorite charities were Wounded Warriors and Guiding Eyes.
Thoughts and condolences may be sent to wife Barbara and family at
Leitz-Fraze, www.leitz-frazefuneralhome.com.