Wells, Gawain L. (Gabe) 1894-1963

WELLS, BOMBERGER, GARRIGAN, LEWIS, MORGAN, HILL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/15/2013 at 12:36:26

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Aug. 19, 1963

GAWAIN L. (GABE) WELLS

Gawain L. (Gabe) Wells was born Nov. 17th, 1894, at Gowrie, Iowa, and died Aug. 8th, 1963, at an Iowa City hospital following a brief illness.

He was one of three children of Fred E. and Irene Bomberger Wells. At the age of five he moved to Grinnell with his parents and later graduated from Grinnell high school.

In 1916, he served with the U.S. Army in the Mexican Border Conflict and later with the 109th Ammunition Train during World War I.

Following his discharge he was united in marriage with Mary A. Garrigan in Grinnell on June 10th, 1925. To this union were born three children: Mrs. James (Patricia) Lewis of Hopkinsville, Ky., Capt. Patrick G. Wells of Sandida AFB, Albuquerque, N.M., and Mrs. Mervin (Jacqueline) Morgan of Grinnell.

In addition to his two daughters and son, he is survived by his wife, Mary, at home in Grinnell; and one sister, Ruth Wells Hill of Beaumont, Tex.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Brendon G. Wells, two years ago.

He had been employed at the Grinnell Post Office for over 35 years and had twice served as commmander of the Grinnell American Legion Post. He was also a member of Hopeful Barracks, World War I Veterans of Grinnell.

Memorial services were held Aug. 12th from the Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Ralph Beebe of the Mayflower Home officiating. Organ music was provided by Mrs. Kathleen Heffner.

Pallbearers were John Peters, William Flaherty, Raymond See, Clifford Streck, Ray Myers, and Dan Reynolds. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Ed Carns, Homer Talbert, Lester Adkins, Rolla Whitaker, John Ohland, and Henry Selle.

Military graveside rites were conducted by W.K. Richardson, commander, and members of Focht-Tennant Post No. 53 ceremonial unit of the Grinnell American Legion. Interment was in Hazelwood cemetery.