Obituary of Kenneth Edward Wells

KENNETH EDWARD WELLS September 29, 1926 - October 26, 2014 Ken Wells, 88, passed away Sunday, October 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 Co. MO. 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, CA. Because of his asthma Ken was never able to serve in the armed forces and so stood by while his friends joined up. But he worked in the aircraft industries and aided the war effort in other ways, 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 try-outs. He delighted in playing golf in his 40's and into his 80's and was proud of his handicap. He even worked at four or five courses as a starter. He began building golf clubs and a few of his grandchildren have "Made by Grandpa" clubs which they claim they will never part with. In 1975 Ken married his "Bobbilu" (Barbara Contopulos). Since both have been married before, they brought to their union, children. Ken: 2 daughters, Melinda Sue and Jenise Ann. Barbara: 4 daughters Daina Lee, Donna Lyn, Christine and Sheryl Ann. Both felt blessed to be readily accepted by the new 'step-children' and never referred to them as "step". Soon there were sons-in-law followed by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All told there are fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren with number thirteen, a little girl, to join the clan in Januanry 2015. Sadly, she will never get to meet her great-grandpa and to receive his wonderful hugs and kisses. Ken has friends dating back to elementary school and many newer friends, Also, neices, 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 held before Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 26th. If friends want to attend please contact wife, Barbara (havasubarbie@frontiernet.net) or daughter Jenise (jasoukup@gmail.com) or grandson Ethan (ethanburke@hotmail.com) His favorite charities were Wounded Warriors or Guiding Eyes Thoughts and condolences may be sent to wife Barbara and family at Leitz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory (www.leitz-frazefuneralhome.com)