David Duane Wells

David Duane Wells was born January 18, 1967, in Houston, Missouri to David and Patty (Larson) Wells. He passed away December 7, 2023, in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of fifty-six years. David graduated from Salem Senior High in 1985. After graduation, he spent time training Tennessee Walking horses. In 1990, he married Anita Westerman. To this union, a daughter, Kaytlyn Wells was born. David was a lover of all things outdoors, fishing, hunting, and riding four-wheelers. He collected baseball cards, antiques, and shark teeth. He could do anything he set his mind to do like cake decorating, real estate, and renovation projects. He coached girls’ softball for many years, starting with his daughter’s teams and continuing well past her graduation because there was a need and he loved motivating his teams. You never had to guess where you stood with David or what he was thinking. He was genuine, what you saw was what you got. He was bold, sassy, and honest to a fault. He had a gruff exterior but was really a big teddy bear. He was generous with his time, talents, and gifts to those who needed him. He was known for his secret acts of giving throughout the years that he never wanted recognition for, but he would see a need, and fill it. He will be missed by so many. David is survived by his daughter: Kaytlyn Wells; three siblings: Danny Wells and wife Amy, Debbie McClure and husband Dirk, and Donnie Wells and wife Hannah; nieces: Carly, Lynnaya, Kaleah, Sarayah, Olivia and husband Luke, and Emma; nephews: Daniel and wife Katie, and Jacob; former wife and friend: Anita Dvorak, and "husband-in-law," Jerry Dvorak; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his special friend, Rosetta. David is preceded in death by his parents: David and Patty Wells; sister: Diana Elaine Wells; grandparents: Edward and Phyllis (Lee) Larson, and Sylvan and Virgie (Stewart) Wells. David will be deeply missed by those who loved him most. Funeral Services for David Duane Wells were held Saturday, December 16, 2023, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Dirk McClue, Danny Wells, and Donnie Wells officiating. Song selection played was “How Great Thou Art”. Serving as Pallbearers were Gary Larson, Bryan Quick, Glen Sapaugh Jr., Kenny VanKirk, John Wisdom, and Tom Wulff. Honorary Pallbearers were Brock Cook, Jerry Dvorak, and Patty Sullins. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of David Wells to Rescue One (Springfield, MO) or the Salem Faith Assembly Mission (“Faith Mission”). Online condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

David Duane Wells

January 18, 1967 - December 7, 2023