Roy Wells

Roy Wells, 85, died on Good Friday, April 22, 2011 after an extended illness with his family at his side. Buster, as he was known to friends and family, was born on September 4, 1925 to Roy and Velma (Haines) Wells in La Grande Oregon. Both of Buster's parents died when he was a boy so in his formative years he was raised by his uncles and aunts, Roland and Elizabeth Thomas and Harry (Texie) and Lillian Wells. He was known for his honesty, integrity, kind heartedness and always thinking of others before himself. He was not an overly religious man but there is no doubt that he has entered God's Kingdom. His family is at peace because he is at peace. In his final days he stated to us that he felt blessed in his life and "plum happy with how things turned out".

Buster graduated from Imbler High School in 1943. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he served in the Pacific Theatre from 1943 to 1946 when he was discharged as a corporal. Buster was a member of the Greatest Generation and the recipient of several commendations during World War II.

After his discharge, he visited a couple army buddies in Iowa and met one of their sisters, Louise Jurgensen. A whirlwind romance developed and on May 31, 1949 Buster married Louise, who he loved with all his heart.

Eventually Buster and Louise settled on a family farm in Alicel where they raised three daughters and a son of their own, but they also played a part in raising numerous other kids ranging from extended family members to foster kids and friends of their own children. Buster was a father figure and strong influence to so many people.

After they sold the family farm in 1990, Buster and Louise spent many years in Haines, Alaska where he developed many good friendships and had such a wonderful time. He built their house in Haines in his 70's and truly enjoyed being an Alaskan during his retirement. When his health began to decline, they decided to sell out and move back to La Grande.

Buster is survived by his wife of 61 years, Louise, a daughter Karen Wells from Vancouver, Washington, a daughter Debbie Schlosser (Dick) from Oregon City, a son Kenneth Wells (Michelle) from Nampa, Idaho and a daughter Lisa Coughlan (Mike) from Imbler, Oregon, a sister Geraldine Harrington from Sherwood, Oregon, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

We will all miss this man tremendously but we rejoice in the husband, father, grandfather and friend that touched all of our lives.

Buster requested no funeral services but a graveside memorial will take place on May 15 at the Summerville Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.followed by a celebration of his life at the Odd Fellows Lodge in Summerville.

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