Clayton Wells Obituary

CLAYTON HARDING WELLS Clayton Harding Wells, born July 11, 1920, in Oak Park, Illinois, passed away at his home in Venice, Florida, on August 15, 2013. A long-time resident of La Grange, Illinois, Clayton was married to his beloved wife, Margaret Kathleen Wells, for 68 years. He was a devoted husband, father, and brother who gave of himself in love and friendship to all he knew. Clayton was a veteran of World War II, serving on active duty in the South Pacific as Chief Petty Officer in the Coast Guard. After the war, Clayton resided with his family in LaGrange where he worked as a mechanical engineer for Argonne National Laboratory. He was a member of the Western Springs Baptist Church where he served as Trustee. His hobbies included creating stain glass artwork, woodworking, sailing, golf, and antiquing. A beautiful stain glass window residing in the entranceway to his church in Englewood, Florida, stands as a lasting legacy to his consummate stain glass skill and artistry. Clayton is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his sister, Margaret Lindberg of Hillside, Illinois, children, Karen Wells Nelson of Westminster, Colorado, Paul Wells, of Canton, Michigan, and Douglas Wells of Suwanee, Georgia. His sister, Helen Wells Rendahl, and daughter, Pamela Wells Smith, preceded him in death. His legacy of love, playing with his grandchildren and teaching them by example will also live on through his 8 grandchildren, Jeremy Wells, Jessica Wells, Bethany Wells, Jill Smith, Christopher Smith, Avery Wells, Clay Wells, and Christopher Nelson, and great grandson, Ian Smith. Clayton will be remembered for his integrity, zest for life, creativity, and love of family. Most importantly, Clayton was a born again believer in Jesus Christ and lead a Christ-like example for everyone. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.