We are sad to inform you that Rev. Oliver “Gene” Wells, 88, father of Deacon Rick Wells, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at his home near Cincinnati, Ohio, following a recent hospitalization.  “Pastor Gene,” as he was known to many, was a retired minister of the United Methodist Church, having served the denomination full-time for 44 years, and then part-time for another 23 years while in retirement.

While a student at Asbury, Gene met and married Kathleen Ann (Clemons) Wells.  Together, they had two sons, David and Eric (Rick).  Gene and Kathy enjoyed nearly 45 happy years of marriage until her death in 2001, just weeks after Gene’s retirement from full-time ministry.  Four years later, he would meet his second wife, Janet (Crist) Wells, whom he married in 2006, sharing 18 joy-filled years of life with her until his passing.

Pastor Wells was preceded in death by his parents, his six siblings, and his first wife, Kathleen. He is survived by his second wife, Janet Wells, of Mason; sons Rev. Dr. David (Catherine) Wells, of Blue Ash; and Deacon Rick (Barbara) Wells, of Seminole, FL; along with three grandchildren: Ryan (Laura) Wells, Garrett Wells, and Courtney (Christopher) Weber; and two great-grandsons: Jonathan Wells and Benjamin Oliver Weber.

A Memorial Service for Pastor Wells will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul Community UMC,  Cincinnati. His remains will be inurned in the columbarium at Hyde Park UMC, Cincinnati, at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to St. Paul Community UMC or Asbury University.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Deacon Rick Wells, Chancellor for Canonical Affairs, P.O. Box 40200, St. Petersburg, FL 33743.

The complete obituary can be found at this link.

Please keep Deacon Wells and his family in your kind thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
by the mercy of God, rest in peace!