James Victor Wells

Funeral services for James Victor “Vic” Wells, 95, of Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. He passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Medical Center in Topeka.

Vic was born May 29, 1921 in North Platte, Nebraska, the son of James ‘Frank’ and Ellen (Smith) Wells. He was raised in the dust bowl of Phillips County, Kansas during the Great Depression.

He served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. He was a machinist mate on a seaplane in the South Pacific.

Vic was employed by Lawrence Paper Company for 37 years, retiring as maintenance foreman.

He was a member of the American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post No. 14 and the VFW. He was a Mason, and was a member of the Lawrence Acacia Lodge No. 9, the Abdallah Temple of the Shrine, and the Jayhawk Shrine Fire Brigade. He was an antique tractor and small gas engine enthusiast.

Vic married Ruby Maxine Anderson December 28, 1945 in Lawrence. She preceded him in death in 1989.

Survivors include his daughters, Linda Wells, Lawrence, Vickie Dingman and husband, Bob, Baldwin City; two grandchildren, Bonnie (Don) Bruns, Baldwin City, Jeff (Janel) Dingman, Fort Smith, AR; four great-grandchildren, Gavin Bruns, Hali, Hana and Holly Dingman; two sisters, Arvilla Lee, Lawrence, Lucile Bohl, Phillipsburg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Lester and Vernon Wells.

The family will meet friends at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Lawrence American Legion Baseball and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

2 Condolences

  1. Lanell Finneran on April 21, 2017 at 8:02 am

    Linda (and family):
    My husband and I used to live in the house on the corner right south of you and your parents’ house. I enjoyed the many conversations I had with your parents over the years I lived there. We moved in 1991. I loved talking to your dad about his tractors and also about gardening. When I taught at South Junior High, your dad worked there and he was one of the kindest individuals. I am sad to read of his passing but happy that he lived a long life. Both of your parents were special people. Peace be with you.



  2. Ryan Desch on April 21, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    Vic’s Family,
    I delivered meals to Vic three days a week for the Senior Meals program. I’ve been taking lunch to Vic for probably a year and a half or so. On days that Vic was out on his tractor, I would set his lunch on his walker in the garage. He drove the tractor determined, some of those days I don’t think he knew I’d even stopped by. Other days he was in his chair. He smiled when I walked in the door. We never spoke a whole lot but he always thanked me for bringing him his lunch. The other week I commented that the grass was getting green. He replied “That’s the way it should be.” It was an honor to bring lunch to Vic, and I will miss him.



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