IN MEMORIAM: Nelson A. Wells Sr., 93;
WWII Vet Retired From City Government
ONEONTA – Nelson Alfred Wells Sr., 93, a World War II veteran who then settled in Oneonta, went home to be with his Lord April 29, 2019, at Fox Nursing Home.
He was born in North Clymer, in Chataqua County, the son of the late Anna (Ingram) and Alfred T. Wells. He married Lena Belle Martin on Aug. 29, 1943 and had a blessed marriage of 73 years.
During the Second World War, a ham radio operator in the Army Air Corps, he served on Okinawa in the Pacific Theater.
Moving to Oneonta after the war, he worked at the North Feed Store, the D&H Railroad Depot, and went to be an iron worker for New York Local No. 158, Binghamton, where he worked on buildings at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College. He ended his career as a senior plant mechanic in the City of Oneonta’s water treatment plant.
He was a long time member of the West End Baptist Church and also attended the River Street Baptist Church. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 1206, Oneonta.
Nelson is survived by his daughters, Priscilla Rotolo, Oneonta, Linda (Wells) Holtsmaster, South Gibson, Pa., Sandy Morin, Oneonta, and Ginger (Paul) Butler, Oneonta; daughter-in-law Violet Wells; grandson Nelson A. Wells III of Oneonta; his sister, Marilyn Beck of Lancaster, Pa.; 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 73 years, Lena Belle (Martin); as well as his son, Nelson Wells Jr.
Visitation will be 11 am. to noon, Monday, May 6, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. Funeral services follow at the funeral home with Rodney Dirig, pastor of the Oneonta Community Gospel Church, officiating Committal services will follow in Bundy Cemetery, Otego, with military honors.
To light a candle or send an online condolence, visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.