Howard Wells

Howard Wells, 88, of Pinewood passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born March 23,1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He moved to Beaumont as a young boy where he was lovingly raised by his parents, Tommy and Opal Wells. Howard graduated from French High School in 1952. Not long after, he met a beautiful girl who later became the love of his life, Molly Corrigan (FHS ’55), affectionally called “Polly”. They were blessed to spend 67 years together loving and enjoying their 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Howard, better known as PaPa to his family, supported and attended whatever activity the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids took part, including school and church programs and numerous sporting events. He also remained true to his alma mater, French High School, while spending countless hours each day after work, building the athletic field house with other volunteers. Howard worked concession stand every home football game and made great friends with others in doing so. He displayed an exemplary work ethic and strong faith in God for all to follow.

Howard began working at Mobil Oil Refinery in 1957, and later transferred to Mobil Chemical where he worked in the Research and Development Lab. He also worked as a planner and later became a maintenance supervisor. He retired from Mobil Chemical   O/A Plant in 1996 after 39 years of service.

Many memories were made at MaMa and PaPa’s house over the years. Every birthday, graduation, anniversary and holiday were celebrated to the fullest with food, games, and spending time with each other. PaPa loved playing washers with family, especially when he won. Christmases were loud and full of laughter. There used to be a rule that each person could only open one gift at a time because PaPa wanted to take everyone’s picture with his movie camera. The family became so big, he finally and reluctantly allowed a free-for-all.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Molly Corrigan Wells; children, Doug Wells and his wife, Monica, of Sour Lake; Darla Sanderson and her husband, Perry II, of Pinewood; and Dr. Donald Wells of Austin; grandchildren, Cody Wells and his wife, Sarah; Lyndi Keller and her husband, Matt; Perry Sanderson III and his wife, Amy; Brian Sanderson and his wife, Laura; Kevin Sanderson and his wife, Ashlyn; Austin Wells and his fiancée, Sarah Upchurch; Reed Wells and his fiancée, Casey File; and Rebecca Wells; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Naomi, Amelia, Eliza, Perry IV, Troy, Emma, Elam, Sawyer, Parker, Nora, Corban, Kevin Jr., and Baylor.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice and Howard’s nurse, Shelby, for her compassionate care and support.

A gathering of Howard’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2022, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 447, Kountze, Texas, 77625.