Donald L. Wells

Donald “Donnie” L. Wells, previously from Jefferson City, MO, was called to his heavenly home on July 20, 2023 after a brief illness.

He was born June 8, 1939 to Thomas and Viola Marie Wells. The Lord blessed him with 84 wonderful years.

He served his beloved country in the United States Marine Corps for 2 years and continued in the Reserves for another 4 years.

He was a draftsman for the State of Missouri for 2 years and later was accepted into the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy, which is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country. He graduated top of his class with honors and was stationed with several different troops in the state. He was later transferred back home where he was stationed at Troop F in Jefferson City , MO. He worked for numerous years before being promoted. Through the years of dedicated service, Donnie was promoted from Corporal to Lieutenant to Captain before retirement at general headquarters in Jefferson City, MO. He served his community and the public for 38 ½ years.

He married the love of his life Rosella “Sug” Mason and they formed a beautiful life together for 62 years before the Lord called her home in January of 2022.  They had two children, Thomas L. Wells and Sandi Marie Teal.

He loved his family with all his heart and gave unselfishly all of his life. He loved to travel with his co-captain “Sug” at his side. They enjoyed seeing the country after his retirement. He loved living on the lake and taking family and friends out for evening cruises, enjoying the sunsets, tubing, jet skiing, as well as grilling and sitting on the deck.

He loved working in the yard, mowing his grass and riding on his tractor. Donnie loved trading cars and trucks and was always looking for the next best deal.

He was a man of action and worked hard all of his life. He believed a person had to work hard for what they wanted. He was a man of his word with integrity and of the highest character.

He loved his Lord and relied on his faith and was a diligent worker at his church. He loved to give to others and faithfully gave to his favorite charities. He knew the importance of sharing his blessings with others. He loved life but more importantly loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Viola Wells; mother and father in law, Thomas and Marie Mason; beloved wife , Rosella “Sug” Wells; sister and brother in law, Dorothy and Bob Newberry; brother, Dickie Wells; and in-laws, Henry Mason, Tom Mason, Virginia DeGroot, Bud Scheperle, Marjorie Scheperle, Harold Renick and Deloris Renick.

He is survived by his loving family, son, Tom and wife Jody Wells of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Sandi and husband Todd Teal of Atlanta, LA; grandchildren, Brittany and Shane Eberspacher, Harris, Jordan, and Gena Wells all of Kansas City, MO, Jackson Teal of Bossier City, LA, and Edward Teal of Ruston, LA; great grandchildren, Leo Wells, Theodore Eberspacher, Harris and Johnny Thomas all of Kansas City, MO.; sisters, Joyce Preetorius, Janet Plummer, and Betty Johnson all of Jefferson City, MO; special cousins, Larry and Susie Hannah of Overland Park, KS; sister-in-law, Becky Mason of Hampton, VA; brother-in-laws, Don Salcedo and Kevin Plummer; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

The world lost an exceptional man and Heaven gained a beautiful soul.

Services for Donald “Donnie” Wells will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. He will be taken back home to Jefferson City, MO sometime in the fall with a graveside service to be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

The family expresses a special “thank you” to Hand In Hand Hospice of Natchitoches for the care and compassion shown to our father. Each of you will hold a special place in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Heart of Louisiana Humane Society of Winnfield or to a charity of your choice in Donnie's name.