Allen Wesley Wells 1949 – 2020
Allen Wesley “Wess” Wells, 71, passed away July 1 at his home near Gran Quivira. He was born on April 11, 1949 to the late Vernie and Opal Mae (Toothman) Wells in Mountainair. Wess was a lifetime resident of Mountainair and Gran Quivira and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and community. Wess was raised in Gran Quivira, the son of a Preacher and her husband, who was a rancher as well as a dry-land pinto bean and wheat farmer. He learned very early on the value of a hard work and stewardship of the land. What you sow you will reap was more than a Bible verse to him as he always strived to exceed expectations. He attended and graduated from Mountainair High School. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Eastern New Mexico University. In his life he was a very competitive athlete who enjoyed baseball, basketball as well as football. Throughout high school, college and his professional life, Wess was the consummate entrepreneur. He often worked multiple jobs and ran many successful businesses. For years he managed Hail Equipment Gas, Oil and Feed Co. in Mountainair in addition to supervising the bean elevators. He moved on to own Wells Insurance Agency with offices in Mountainair and Moriarty. In addition to these business endeavors, he also raised cattle with the W&W Ranch and the Gran Quivira Cattle Company. He would often say, he worked all the other jobs so he could support his cattle habit. Wess served the community, county and state of New Mexico in many ways. For over 50 years he has been a pillar of his church and served on the board for Mountainair Assembly of God and Gran Quivira Church. He was a proud supporter of 4H Clubs and FFA Chapters. He served many terms on the Torrance County Fair Board and loved seeing young adults achieve success in the agricultural industry. As President of the Board of Directors for New Mexico Farm Credit, he helped manage the day to day operations, making sure to always put the farmers and ranchers first as well as making sure the employees of FCNM felt valued and appreciated. Throughout his life he sat on school boards and numerous philanthropic boards and committees. A member of the NRA, Wess was proud American patriot and avid hunter. He believed very strongly in all our Constitutional rights and thanked God for our freedoms daily. Wess is survived by his beloved wife of six years, Dianne L. Wells; daughters, Tami Sue Blaschke and husband John and T’layna Mae Wells; stepdaughter, Kimberlee Sheridan; stepson, Gary G. Beebe II; brother, J.E. Wells and wife of Elaine and sister, Lorita Luna and husband Donny; and one grandson, Braxton Blaschke. A funeral service is scheduled for July 9 at 10 a.m. at the Wells Family Home in Gran Quivira. Jeff Wells, Darrell Roberts and Patrick Pachta will officiate. Burial will be at the White Lakes Cemetery in Gran Quivira. Pallbearers will be David Reese, Gary W. Smith, Wayne Connell, Kenneth Shaw, Gary G. Beebe II, Dennis Sheridan, Fred Moore, Volney Scanlan, Larry Stephens, Shane Gustin, David Wyatt, Danny Mcniel and Dave Fischbauer. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Wess’s family and friends.