Sterling was the son of the late Squire A. and Anna F. (Krafczik) Wells, and was born May 9, 1920 in Hooker, Missouri. He grew up in the Devil's Elbow community and was a graduate of the Waynesville High School.
In 1940, Sterling was united in marriage to Betty Jane Groover in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 44 years of marriage together and two children: David Lee and Kathy Sue. Betty preceded Sterling in death in 1984.
On October 4, 1985, Sterling was united in marriage to Roberta Grider in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 21 years of wonderful memories together.
Sterling was a hard worker and was able to be self-employed all of his working years. From 1946 - 1967, he and his brothers operated the Wells Brothers Garage. After leaving the garage in 1967, Sterling began his own businesses, Sterling's Hillbilly Store and Devil's Elbow Wholesale Souvenirs, and operated these businesses until the present time.
In his spare time, Sterling enjoyed being outdoors; whether it was fishing or flying his own plane. He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed playing Santa at Christmastime. He was a member of the Masonic Arlington Lodge #346, Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple of Springfield, MO and the Waynesville/Ft. Leonard Wood Shrine Club.
Sterling will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife, Roberta of the home; one son: David Lee Wells of Kansas City, MO; one daughter: Kathy Sue Vardeman of McKinney, TX; one brother: Harold Wells of Devil's Elbow, MO; one sister: Jewell Nelson of Louisville, KY; two step-daughters: Patti Six and her husband, Larry of Oklahoma City, OK and Donna Aldrich and her husband, Bob of Wichita, KS; two nieces: Sherry Ernst of Waynesville, MO and Janell Mahana of Springfield, MO; four nephews: Steve Wells of Rolla, MO, Jay and Scott Nelson, both of Louisville, KY and Andrew Wells of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren: Gretchen Wells Clark, Jon Hall, Preston Hall and Kyla Wells Putman; eight great grandchildren: Lauryn and Kit Putman, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Parker, Grace and Elliot Sterling Hall and Amelia Clark; several other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and his first wife, Betty, Sterling was preceded in death by one brother, Dallas.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 9, 2007 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert with Pastor William Kempen officiating. Pianist Becky Lercher accompanied Soloist Sherry DeWitt as she sang "Amazing Grace", "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Rock of Ages". Serving as escorts were Bill Debo, Andy Wells, Dave Ernst, Don McCulloch, Preston Hall and Larry Six. Serving as honorary escorts were Paul Nelson, Ogden DeWitt and Bob Aldrich.
Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Sterling Wells to the Waynesville Downtown Beautification Project and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert.
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