James Elton Wells

Funeral services for ""Pete"" Wells, 75, of Lufkin, will be held Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin with Bro. Jimmy Runnels, Bro. Stephen McClendon and Bro. Eric Koenig officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Pete was born December 31, 1934, in Camp Ruby, Texas. He was the eldest of three sons born to the late Mabel (Conner) and Ezra Wells. He passed away Sunday, October 10, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He bravely battled Alzheimer's disease for many years.

Pete was the beloved husband of Peggy (Tullos) Wells for 46 years. She was a loving and devoted wife, always by his side, who cared for him throughout his illness. He was also doted on and cared for by his many daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters.

Pete was a devout member of Jehovah's Witnesses. He dedicated his life in service to Jehovah by being baptized in June 1973. He publicly shared with others the many wonderful promises and good things Jehovah God has in store for mankind. He served as an elder in the Pleasant Hill congregation of Hot Springs, Arkansas, as well as the Lufkin East congregation of Lufkin, Texas.

A ""jack of all trades,"" Pete worked as a machinist, millwright, sanitation operator, plumber, truck driver, etc. He was most experienced in his role of ""Dad"" and ""Papa."" He was a loyal husband and devoted father. Pete was known by many friends everywhere as a loving and kind person. He will be remembered for his jolly personality, his robust laugh, his beautiful singing, and his saying ""find something to be happy about."" Family is what made Pete happy. He felt that home was always near his family. In the early 70's, he and his young family left the Houston area to reside in Corrigan, Texas for 15 years. This is where he and his wife raised their six children. They later resided in Pasadena, Texas, Glenwood and Hot Springs, Arkansas, to be close to his children and grandchildren. Returning to East Texas, he retired and lived out his final days in Lufkin, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his son, James ""Pete"" Elton Wells, Jr.; his parents, Ezra and Mabel Wells; and his youngest brother, John Wells.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy Wells of Lufkin; son, Jerry Watson of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughters and sons-in-law, Tina Wells of Webster, Texas, Dedra and Calvin Wayne of Glenwood, Arkansas, Angela Wells of Lufkin, Jennifer and Rodney Jones of Lockesburg, Arkansas, and Peggy and Bruce Green of Beaumont; brother and sister-in-law, George and Terry Wells of DeRidder, Louisiana; grandchildren, Brett and LaTosha Richter of Shreveport, Amber and Jerry Watson of Las Vegas, Shara Appanaitis of Webster, Heath Green of Beaumont, Jessica and Kayla Ellison of Lufkin, Savannah and Nathaniel Wayne of Glenwood, Arkansas, Jillian and Sydney Green of Beaumont, Andrew and Paige Sessions of Webster, Bailey and Carly Jones of Lockesburg, Arkansas, and Jada Riley of Lufkin.

Pallbearers will be Calvin Wayne, Rodney Jones, Bruce Green, Brett Richter, James C. Tullos and Thomas Tullos.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alfred Huff, J.T. Runnels, Edward Mulholland, Robert Ferguson and Michael Galloway.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Hospice in the Pines who cared for Mr. Wells during his illness. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 116 South Raguet St., Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors