Richard Lee Wells – Ad Astra Radio

1939-2026

Richard Lee Wells, 87, of Grenola, KS., passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at his home. Richard was born on February 21, 1939, in Hale, Missouri. He was the youngest child of six, born to Hugh and Lela (Hundley) Wells.

Early education was in a one room school in Tina, MO, graduating from Tina-Avalon High School in 1956. Richard worked at Cessna Aircraft in Wichita before marrying Renee Welborn on July 19, 1959. Richard and Renee were married for 62 years until her death of March 29, 2024.

The couple lived in Winfield and Douglass before moving to Grenola, KS., and purchasing the lumberyard and hardware store there in 1963. Richard continued this business and also established Wells Lumber and Hardware in Burden, KS., retiring after 45 years in the retail business.

He was a member of the Grenola Volunteer Fire Department serving as Fire Chief for 25 years.

Survivors include:
Four Children:
Melanie (Todd) Hockenbury
Debbie (Darryl) Littrell
Jeff (Janelle) Wells
Denise (Jake) Liebau

Brother:
Donald Wells

13 Grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife Renee, three sisters and a brother.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Grenola. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6-7 pm at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard. Memorials have been suggested to either: Grenola Senior Center, the Grenola Fire Department or Joseph’s Storehouse in Burden and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at https://www.countysidefh.com Services under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 66734.

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