Harry M. Wells

Harry M. Wells passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Riverside Hospital from complications of pneumonia. He was 85.

Harry was born on November 20, 1928 to John S. and Ruth (Woessner) Wells. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Schaaf Wells; twin sister, May Laipply; three children, Dennis M. (Julie) Wells, Debra (Stephen) Hoover and Diane (Timothy) Kaple and one step-daughter, Terri (Graham) Riley. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Dawn (Casey) Pollock, Amber (Dustin) Wirebaugh, Amy (Timothy) Plumley, Matthew (Anne) Hoover, Jeremy Wells, Chad (Rushanne) Wells, Joshua Kaple and Jamie Greenick; step grandchildren, Joellen (Luke) Mussleman, John (Holly) Dobbins, Ellery (Kevin) Laughbaum and Sheena May; numerous great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Harry was preceded in death by a son, David Wells and three brothers, Robert, George (Laddie) and Ronald.

Harry was a 1947 graduate of Holmes Liberty High School and lived in the Bucyrus area all of his life. At 18 years old, he started his first business venture, leasing and operating the Smooth Kool Dairy Bar, which he sold at the age of 21. He started the Watts and Wells Insurance Agency with his father-in-law, V.J. Watts and remained there until 1963, at which time he started Suburban and Gala Lanes until 1991. During his stint as a bowling proprietor, Harry actively promoted the bowling business, serving as president of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America. He served on the Board of Directors of Proprietors Insurance Corporation and remained active in the bowling business throughout his life. He was co-founder, past champion and director of the Bill Rahm Invitational Bowling Tournament and was recently honored for his service to that event. He took on his final career with the Crawford County Humane Society, where he served as Executive Director and remained on the Board of Directors until his death.

He was a tireless worker, whether it was managing tournaments, keeping stats for bowling leagues, organizing fundraisers and events for the Humane Society, or calling Bingo games. He loved life and his family and enjoyed many hobbies over the years. He loved talking with friends and family, bowling, golf, fast-pitch softball, his many rescue dogs, crossword puzzles and all things Mickey Mouse.

Friends may call from 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 21 at Wise Funeral Service where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday with Mark Dettmer, Certified Celebrant officiating. A private inurnment will take place in the columbarium at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Harry loved animals and contributions to the Humane Society serving Crawford County would be appreciated. Also, in memory of Harry, friends are welcome to bring bags or cans of dog food or cat food to the funeral home which will then be donated to the Humane Society.



Visitation:

Friday, March 21, 2014 3-5 & 7-9 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Saturday, March 22, 2014 11:00 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Columbarium at Oakwood Cemetery (At a later date)