You're invited to attend the Funeral Service for Donald Wayne Wells or to join us for the LIVE Broadcast at 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 2, 2025. Simply click on the link below.

Funeral Service Broadcast for Don Wells

Donald Wayne Wells, age 77, of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky left his temporary home and went on to his eternal home on Thursday, December 26, 2024.  He was born in rural Washington County on November 4, 1947 to the late Orbrey & Elizabeth (Robinson) Wells.  Don moved to a farm in the community of Fox Creek when he was 8 years old.  It was in his third-grade classroom at Western School where he met the girl that stole his heart – Rita Carol Gash.  Practically neighbors, these two would attend Fox Creek Christian Church together just down the road where they both took their first steps in a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

In 1965, Don and Rita graduated from Western School where their paths would separate for just a short time.  Don attended Berea College for 3 years before being drafted into the military in August of 1967 where he would work his way through the ranks to become a sergeant in the United States Army.  It was during brief breaks from his deployment to Vietnam, that the couple began dating and became engaged.  Upon completion of his service, Don married Rita - the love of his life - on April 18, 1970 and the two would settle down in the home they had built at 314 Plum Street in Lawrenceburg.

Never afraid of hard work, Don began his employment at the Kraft Cheese factory, then on to become a department manager at Sears and eventually the couple opened their own Montgomery Ward catalogue store on Main Street in Lawrenceburg.  In the late 70's, Don began fill-in preaching for the small congregation that he and Rita had grown up in – Fox Creek Christian Church.  In 1979, that became a full-time ministry in addition to operating the store downtown and installing chain-link fence.  Through his faithfulness to the Gospel message, they watched the small church grow and thrive.  Though he retired from full-time preaching after 35 years in the same church, Don's life truly demonstrated his belief that the work of ministry for the Christian is never complete.  He would continue faithfully spreading the Gospel in homes, hospital rooms, and from pulpits across the Salt River area until God called Him home to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant…"

Among the many whose lives were impacted by the life and work of Don Wells, were the ones most blessed to call him husband, dad, pappaps, papaw and brother.  They include his wife, Rita; four sons and daughters-in-law - Mark (Shanda), Mike (Amanda), Tim (Lori), and Ryan (Jordan); 8 grandchildren – Hunter (Reagan) Wells, Mickenzie (Corey) Vincent, Morgan Wells, Braxton Wells, Abigail Wells, Molly Kate Wells, Josiah Wells, Lainey Wells, and 5 great-grandchildren – Myla and Noelle Wells and Levi, Rhett and Asher Vincent.  Don also leaves behind a brother and sister-in-law Ronnie (Sharon) Wells.  All reside in Lawrenceburg.

Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Fox Creek Christian Church, 2020 Fox Creek Rd., Lawrenceburg, KY.  Mark and Tim Wells will officiate the service.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Fox Creek Cemetery with Donnie Campbell presiding.  Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 PM on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 and after 10 AM until the time of service on Thursday at Fox Creek Christian Church.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Wells, Greg House, Barry Gash, Eric Gash, John Gash, Rodney Durr, Christopher Durr, Adam Durr, Jonathan Nafrady, and John Nix.  The Men of Fox Creek Christian Church will serve as honorary bearers.

Memorials in memory of Donald W. Wells are suggested to the Children's Ministry, Fox Creek Christian Church, 2020 Fox Creek Rd., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, KY.  Condolences to the family may also be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com.