Eugene L. Wells

Eugene L. Wells, 81, of East Galesburg, died at 7:38 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at home. Gene was born January 30, 1932 in Galesburg the son of LeRoy A. and Jessie (Kingdom) Wells.  He married Sheris Jacobs on April 9, 1955 in Galesburg.  Gene Is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sheris of East Galesburg; two sons, David (Chris) and William (Joanne) Wells both of Galesburg; three daughters, Tina Ennis and Robin Larner both of Knoxville, and Patricia (Rob) Allen of Springfield; 15 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter.  He is also survived by one brother, Fred Rice of Albany, GA; and one sister, Barbara Wells of Rockford.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and 6 brothers. Gene was a press operator at Maytag for 35 years, retiring in 1990.  He served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954.  He was a member of the Aerospace Workers.  Gene enjoyed working in the garden, playing horseshoes and poker.  He was a die-hard University of Illinois Fan and the White Sox. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2014 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Military rites will be conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285.  Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorials may be made to Defenders of Freedom Veteran’s Home or to the family.