John B. Wells, a beloved husband, father, and respected engineer, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Saturday morning, January 7, 2023, at the age of 90. A memorial service celebrating the life of John B. Wells will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 am at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst, Texas, providing an opportunity for friends and family to honor his memory.
Born on Friday, December 9, 1932, in Huckabay, Texas, John B. Wells was raised in a devout Methodist household by his parents. Growing up alongside his two older brothers, his early life in Huckabay instilled in him strong values of community and faith. John’s commitment to academics was evident early on when he graduated as valedictorian from Huckabay High School. His dedication to service then led him to the United States Army, where he served his country during the Korean War, demonstrating his patriotism and commitment to duty.
It was during his time in the Army that John B. Wells met the love of his life, Mary Nell Wisdom. Their meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership, culminating in their marriage on November 16, 1952. Establishing their first home in Haltom City, John and Mary quickly became active members of the Riverside Methodist Church, forming deep and lasting friendships within their church community. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to contribute further, John pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. This achievement paved the way for a distinguished professional career and a move to Hurst, Texas, where they welcomed two daughters, Allison and Holly, into their family.
Continuing their commitment to faith and community, the Wells family joined the First United Methodist Church of Hurst, becoming active participants for many years before finding their spiritual home at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in 1981. Professionally, John B. Wells dedicated nearly four decades of his life to Bell Helicopter. His career was marked by significant contributions to key military projects, most notably his involvement in the development of the V-22 Osprey. His work at Bell Helicopter allowed him to travel extensively across the globe, showcasing his expertise and dedication to his field. After a fulfilling career, John retired in 1998, embracing over two decades of retirement focused on cherishing time with his family, continuing his devotion to church alongside Mary, and managing the family farm, returning to his Huckabay roots in spirit.
John B. Wells was predeceased by his parents, Bernie and Virginia Wells, his brothers Calvin and Eugene (and Eugene’s wife, Mary Frances), nephews Robert and Jim Wells, his father and mother-in-law Roy and Ruthie Wisdom, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Betty June Passmore, brother-in-law Buddy Wisdom, nephew Kent Wisdom, and niece-in-law Elizabeth Passmore.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Wisdom Wells; his daughter Allison Wells Elliott and her husband, Chris Anderson; his daughter Holly Wells; his grandchildren Audrey Elliott, Andrew Elliott, Emily Elliott, Marcus Miller, and Sailor Skipworth; his sister-in-law Doris Wisdom; nieces Cheryl Wisdom and Susan Blomdahl (and her husband, Kelly); nephews Stephen Passmore (and his wife, Becky) and Scott Passmore (and his wife, Jodie); and numerous cherished cousins and extended family members who will all deeply miss John B. Wells.
In remembrance of John B. Wells’ impactful life, and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/. This gesture honors John’s memory by supporting a cause that is meaningful to the family.
