Richard Dean Wells, son of Glenn P. and Florena B. Wells, born November 6, 1936 in Enid, Oklahoma, died October 15, 2023 at his home in Oklahoma City. He retired from the State of Oklahoma in 2000 after 38 years of service. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 66 years and four children; Brad and partner Jeff Buckelew of Seattle, WA; Rich and partner Annie Decamp of Aspen, CO; Lynn and husband Mike Finley of Oklahoma City; Steve and wife Maggie of Palm Harbor, FL. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Chris Finley, Emily Smith, Ashley Finley, Alex Wells, Eliza Wells, Jack Wells, Mary Wells, Madeleine Wells, Annie Wells, and ten great grandchildren.
A descendant of Cherokee Strip Land Run homesteaders and a lifelong Oklahoman, Richard was an avid Oklahoma history buff who, due to his work with the state, knew every highway, bi- way, and county road in Oklahoma.
Following an elected term as Justice of the Peace, Richard was employed by the State of Oklahoma for nearly 40 years, initially with the Department of Corrections and finally with the Division of Construction and Properties.
Richard was a big OU sports fan, enjoying many Saturdays in Norman, traveling for championship and bowl games, and watching softball. He enjoyed Hollywood and classic movies, especially westerns, and even appeared as an extra in a locally filmed movie. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, never missing an activity or sporting event.
Since retirement, Richard spent his free time volunteering with many local organizations, including The Cowboy Hall of Fame, The North Oklahoma City Healthy Living Center, Will Rogers World Airport, the OKC National Memorial and the Oklahoma State Fair.
Whether on the ski slopes with the family, taking countless cross-country road trips, or riverboat cruising throughout Europe, Richard and Linda were travel enthusiasts.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Richard Wells of Oklahoma City. Should you wish the family to be made aware of your donation, please list Skigranny@aol.com as the email contact.
A reception will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 N Council Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132.
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