June 9, 1928 - May 31, 2022
Howard C. Wells, Sr. of Stockton, California passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. He was born in Groveton, Texas on June 9, 1928. He was a dedicated Man of God who knew the Bible front to back. There is no doubt, Howard is in Heaven.
In 1942, Howard moved to California with his parents, Howard Harvey and Katie Bell Wells. His parents were farmers. Howard was the third oldest of twelve children. He was often responsible for his younger siblings. He worked one summer just to buy his first bicycle. He was proud to have been a golf caddy at Stockton Golf and Country Club. It was 5 miles one-way from home to the golf course on his new bike.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, his wife of 56 years, Mary (1948 - 2005). daughter Tierena Johnson of Stockton, son Timothy Wells of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his second wife, Evelyn Looney of French Camp. Howard and Evelyn were married eleven years, 2009 - 2021.
Having outlived two wives, he focused on watching TV Westerns. His favorite actor was John Wayne. He knew the story lines and the movie title before the credits even started!!
Howard is survived by his sister, Betty Yount of Austin, Texas and his brother Jack Wells of Fresno, California. He is also survived by his son Howard, Jr. (Arletta) of Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho; daughter Vickie (Bruce) of Stockton; grandsons Kristopher and Morgan Johnson; Britt, Jason and Daniel Wells; granddaughter Michelle Fowler; great-grandchildren include Makaila, Jean, Little Howard and Franklin Johnson.
In 1986, Howard retired from the lumber industry. He worked 40 years at the Stockton Box Factory also known as American Forest Products and Bendix Corporation in Stockton. After Mary passed away, Howard remained active in church as an usher, a member of the prayer circle and worked on his farm and orchard.
At the age of 79, Howard married Evelyn Looney on March 28, 2009. The newlyweds were members of Community Bible Church in French Camp. Howard’s and Evelyn’s family included those mentioned above and Evelyn’s daughter, Yvonne Weldon (Tom) of Tracy, California, son Larry Looney of Weiser, Idaho, granddaughters Jennifer Looney of French Camp and Roxy Looney of Stockton, great-grandaughter, Evie Looney and great-grandson, Mordecai.
Howard enjoyed visiting with his extended family. Many considered Howard as their Dad, Grandpa & Popa!
In March 2021, Howard moved from his beloved farm and orchard into Vickie and Bruce’s home in Stockton. Two of his three dogs moved with him. With Howard gone, the Wells Family will never be the same. However, knowing Howard is in Heaven makes his passing a bit easier!