Donald Wells

Donald Wells, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at his residence. He was a native of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and was born in Hampden County, Massachusetts on September 12, 1945. He had resided in Haywood County since 1969. He was the son of the late Roger G. Sears and was raised by his very special aunt, the late Rose Johnson. Donald was a United States Army veteran having fought in Vietnam from April, 1967 until May, 1968 He was very active in veterans affairs in Haywood County and was past commander of VFW Post 5198. Donald was for three years VFW Post 5202 Quartermaster. He was recently elected VFW District 17 Senior Vice Commander for the coming year and was also elected to the American Legion Post 47 executive board. Donald was in charge of making and placing the veteran's memorial markers that are placed around the county each Memorial and Veterans Day. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Post 89 and Vietnam Veterans Post 980. Donald was the recipient of the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Battle Action Ribbons, and the Rifle Marksman Badge. He was actively involved with the Masons and a member of the Oasis Chapter of the Shriners. Donald was very patriotic minded and was extremely proud of his military service. He will be remembered for his loving, ooutgoing spirit that he shared with everyone he met and was very well-respected within the veteran community. Donald was very community minded and always volunteering with many community organizations. He is survived by a daughter, Carey Rich and her husband, Dick, of Maggie Valley; one son, Robert Wells and his wife, Ramela, of Pensacola, Florida; four brothers, Jimmy Sears and his wife, Cindy, of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, David Sears and his wife, Lisa, of Maine, Butch Sears and his wife, Robbin, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, and Eddie Sears and his wife, Linda, of Dennis Port, Massachusetts; one sister, Janice Sears of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Katie Rich and Daniel Rich, both of Maggie Valley; and one great-grandchild, Fisher Cash Jones; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Green Hill Cemetery with the Reverend Bobby Downs officiating. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Wells Funeral Home of Canton. Memorials may be made to the Haywood County Veterans Council, P.O. Box 903, Clyde, NC 28721.

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