WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Raymond Olen “Bud” Wells, age 86, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Saturday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2011, at Sturgis Hospital with his family at his bedside.
He was born March 8, 1925, in St. Joseph County, a son of the late Olen and Margaret (Milliman) Wells.
Bud was a lifelong Burr Oak and Sturgis area resident and a graduate of Burr Oak High School with the class of 1943.
On Oct. 15, 1949, he married Debra Ellen Hagelgans in Coldwater and they shared 62 years of happy marriage together.
Bud had been employed in his early years at Eaton Products and did carpentry work. He retired from Doerr Products in Burr Oak when the company closed.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Japan during World War II. Bud truly enjoyed life to the fullest especially hunting and gaming, but what made him happiest was time spent with his family.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 62 years, Debra; three children, Michael (Marian) Wells of Colon, Gary (Dot) Bowersox of Sturgis and Patricia (Wayne) Whitsel of Sturgis; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Ernsberger of Bronson; one brother, Max (Hattie) Wells of Bronson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Howard Wells and Robert Wells; sister-in-law, Katherine Wells; and brother-in-law, Merlin Ernsberger.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of the ashes will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak where a flag presentation will be made by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Wells’ memory consider the Sturgis Hospital, 916 Myrtle St., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the charity of one’s choice.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
