Charles Sam Wells, 86, of rural Olney, IL went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:10 a.m. on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Bridge Pointe Health Center in Vincennes, IN.

Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, at Stasi-Grove funeral home in Olney.  The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16, with Pastor Ron Strack officiating.  Burial will be in Parkersburg, IL at the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Sam Wells was born December 28, 1925 in Richland County, the son of Charles Edgar and Louise Elma Wells.  Sam grew up helping on his family farm in rural Olney.  Sam spent his entire life on the same 40 acres in rural Olney.  Sam worked as a mechanic for Howard Gumbel, operated his own establishment Sam's Garage, and later worked as a mechanic for Wabash Asphalt in Mt. Carmel. On October 21, 1944 he married Mary (Blackford) Wells.  Mary and Sam were best friends and happily married for 65 years until Mary's passing on February 14, 2010.  Mary and Sam were blessed with two sons: Fred and Steve.

Sam dedicated his life to helping people and to the care of his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed people, gardening, family gatherings, camping and antique engines.  Sam also served as the first Assistant Fire Chief and helped organize the Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department. Sam always said that he had the best neighbors in the whole world.  In later years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary and visiting every state in the continental United States.  He was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Olney where he served as a Deacon.

Sam is survived by: son Fred (Reva) Wells of Olney, IL; son Steve Wells  (Kim Kerrigan) of Malden, MA; grandchildren Thad (Emily) Wells of Mahomet, IL and Emilie (Brian) Chase of Bloomington, IL; great grandson Cobi Chase of Bloomington, IL;  friend and caregiver Linda Hanes of Dundas, IL; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, and sisters Olive Winter, Marjorie Thomas and Waneta Nichols.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Olney.

Sam Wells will be greatly missed by his family and friends.