Wayne Henry Wells

Wayne Henry Wells passed away on December 28,2023 at the age of 93.

Wayne was a loving husband to his wife Rose for 68 years, father to their six children Jeff (Janet), Mike (Allyson), Debbie (Claude), Greg (Tina), Larry, and Lisa, proud papa to twelve grandchildren Kristina (Steve), Kimberly (Luis), David (Nicole), Mike, Wayne, Hannah, Garrett, Jennifer (Jeff), Jonathan, Amber (Justin), Michael (Yadira), and Ryan and eleven great grandchildren Abigail, Madelyn, Oliver, Warren, Joshua, Ethan, Phillip, Adam, Aden, Woodloe, and Franklin.

Wayne was born on July 22, 1930, in Harrold, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm with his parents, Lewis and Mary, and eight siblings Lorraine, Virginia, Kenny, Lyle, Mary Lou, Larry, Jacque, and Diane. Besides helping with the farm work, Wayne was a 4H club member.

In 1948, the Wells family sold their farm and moved to Long Beach, Ca.

Wayne attended his senior year at David Starr Jordan High School and graduated in 1949. Wayne played the saxophone in the school band in Harrold and at Jordan.

In March 1950 Wayne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until honorably discharged in January 1952. Wayne then graduated from Long Beach City College and took courses on sheet metal construction.

In 1954 met and started dating Rose Weidenkopf. They were made for each other and were married on August 13, 1955, at St. Philip Neri in Compton. They raised their 6 children at their home in North Long Beach and later Lakewood, Ca. The family attended mass at St. Pancratius Parish and the children attended the parish school. Wayne was an active member in the parish/school as a member of the Holy Name Society and in the planning and preparations for the Annual Festival that supported the parish school.

After getting his degree at LBCC, Wayne started a career working in the sheet metal industry. Wayne worked for Hodge Sheet Metal in Los Angeles and then in the 1970’s, Wayne and 3 partners took a leap and started their own sheet metal business in Long Beach/Los Alamitos. They ran a thriving business for 20+ years. Wayne worked long hours to support his family and business. Wayne retired after 45 years in the sheet metal industry.

Wayne’s focus away from work was his growing family. Wayne used his construction skills to put an addition on his home to accommodate the growing family. Memorable family vacations included trips to the National Parks and theme parks. Wayne and Rose enjoyed many cruises with their dear friends Scott and Barbara. Later, Wayne would help plan/build/remodel additions on his children’s homes. He also like to do woodwork and built furniture and cabinets for family and friends. Wayne liked to hunt and play poker with his dad, uncles, aunts, and siblings. Wayne enjoyed cooking for his family and for large holiday events at his home. Attending and watching the local sports teams Dodgers, Lakers and Rams was also a favorite past time. Later in life, gardening, reading, walks and jigsaw puzzles occupied his time.

Throughout his life, Wayne was an example of a great work ethic, love, and family values to all his children and grandchildren. His unconditional love will be remembered and cherished forever.

We will miss you dad/papa.  Love you.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to

Donations in Memory of Wayne H. Wells

Tunnel To Towers Foundation (Veterans and First Responder

https://t2t.org/donate/

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401