William Eugene Wells

In Loving Memory of William (Bill) Eugene Wells October 6, 1929 – July 23, 2025

William “Bill” Eugene Wells passed peacefully at home in Orange, California, on July 23, 2025. Born on October 6, 1929, in Los Angeles to Augustine (Gus) Cole Wells and Bertha Ellen Dorland Wells, Bill lived a century rich with family, purpose, service, and love.

At age 20, Bill answered his country’s call during the Korean War, enlisting in the United States Air Force. Trained as a gunner, he served with distinction in the 98th Bomb Wing of the 15th Air Force, flying 26 missions over North Korea aboard a B-29. Upon returning stateside, he joined the famed “Mighty Eighth” as a left gunner on the B-50, a strategic aircraft of the Cold War era. As part of an elite Atomic Bomb crew, Bill stood ready to defend freedom at a moment’s notice. He was honorably discharged in 1953, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Bill carried a deep pride in his American heritage. His ancestors arrived from Germany and Holland generations before the birth of the nation. Forebears fought in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War; his own father served with the U.S. Cavalry in the early 1900s, and his brother Jim earned the Silver Star in the Pacific Theater of WWII.

Before and after his military service, Bill worked at North American Aviation in Inglewood, California, where he met the love of his life, Ann Conway. They married in 1956, beginning their journey together and raising their first two sons, Dean and Dale, in Torrance, CA.

In 1963, Bill’s career brought the family to Orange, where their home and hearts expanded with the arrival of David, Douglas, and Diane. The Wells family became deeply rooted in the First Presbyterian Church of Orange, where they found community and lifelong friendships. Bill cherished fatherhood, spending countless joyful hours coaching Little League and adventuring with his sons through the Boy Scouts.

Across 37 years of dedicated service, Bill worked in various roles at North American Aviation, Autonetics, and later Rockwell International, retiring in 1985. Retirement brought new camaraderie through the Orange Elks Lodge #1475, where he served in leadership and earned Life Member status in 2022.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents and siblings—Stella, Bob, Gladys, Jim, and Don. He is survived by his devoted wife Ann, his children: Dean (Kelly), Dale, David, Douglas (Stacey), and Diane (Jason Wilkerson), and grandchildren: Cameron, Brennan, Christopher (Carly), Brandon (Catie), Aubrey, and Megan. His legacy continues in his great-grandchildren: Caelum, Cali, Rhoana, and William. Bill’s loving circle also included numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

To those who knew him, Bill was more than a patriot—he was a man of quiet strength, deep humility, unwavering devotion, and infinite love for his family. He will be profoundly missed.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be announced at a later date.