Joseph D. Wells – January 9, 2020

February 5, 1933 – January 9, 2020

Joe Wells was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 5, 1933, to Joseph and Virginia Pell (Lebby) Wells. He went to be with his Lord on Thursday, January 9, 2020, following a short illness. He was 86 years old. As his grandson, Ben, said, “His eyes had seen so much and his ears had heard a lifetime across the globe.”

Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. He served in the US, Iceland, Guam, Spain and Vietnam. He was stationed in Colorado Springs in 1975 at NORAD where he retired as Chief Master Sergeant after 28 years of service. He was fiercely patriotic, instilling his children as well as others with love for their country.

Joe met Martha Young in the fall of 1978. They were married on June 10, 1979. Colorado Springs has been their home since then, except for an assignment in Civil Service in Columbus, Mississippi, from 1984 to 1987.

Joe was an avid squash player in his younger years and was committed to working out. He was a faithful supporter of his sons’ soccer and baseball games. He loved playing cards, cribbage (and winning!) Joe loved singing wherever he was, often singing in church choirs. He sang in the Chancel Choir at First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs for almost 45 years. He was a member of, and sang bass in, The America the Beautiful Barbershop Chorus in Colorado Springs for 13 years. For his service to the chorus, he was chosen as Barbershopper of the Year in 1997. He even enlisted his young grandson to sing in the chorus for a season. The Civil War, World War II and Vietnam were of particular interest to him, often visiting historic sites and museums in his travels. Joe’s favorite foods were buttermilk; mustard and mayonnaise with peanut butter or banana sandwiches; and collard greens.

Joe cherished his grandchildren, meeting his first great grandchild, Rowan, for the first time this past Thanksgiving. His brother-in-law called him the baby whisperer.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; two sons, Douglas Alan Wells of Portland, OR; Jason Joseph Wells of Colorado Springs, CO; one daughter, Sherie Lynn Beasley of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Benjamin Beasley; Dillon Wells; Jadyn Mishleau; Ethan Kraus; Brisa Wells;  Westyn Wells; and great grandson, Rowan Beasley. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pell Wayne, and his sister, Virginia Wells.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs at 1 p.m. The Rev. Dan Schumacher and The Rev. Monica Rikli are officiating. Inurnment will be at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Memory of Joe Wells to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, CO, 317 E. Kiowa St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.