Lewis Arthur Wells

Lewis A. Wells, 81, passed away in Burlington VT on Saturday, March 9, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. Lew was born in Colchester VT on August 29, 1942 to the late Clyde L. Wells and Ardelle H. (Packard) Wells.

 Lew joined the Naval Reserves while attending Essex High School, and was stationed in Germany upon graduation. He, along with his wife and children, traveled the world until his retirement in 1976 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was a proud veteran and also took great pride in being a seventh generation Vermonter. Upon retirement, the family returned to Vermont and lived for many years in Milton. He wore many hats after retirement, including employment at New England Air Systems and Hegeman Electric. He was a skilled craftsman, building everything from homes to furniture. He enjoyed sharing his projects with his family and friends. He loved to share stories of growing up and working on his grandfather’s and uncle’s farm in Jericho, and in recent years, enjoyed researching the genealogy of our family lines and connecting with long-lost relatives. He was an avid Red Sox and Washington Football fan for many years, but his greatest pride and joy were his four ‘navy brats’, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

 He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (Arnold) Wells of 44 years, and is survived by his wife, Betty Ann (Forrest) Wells of Riverview, FL, and her sons, Brett and Chris Forrest. He is also survived by his children, Cindy Roque of Essex Junction, Deborah (Bart) Thomas of Milton, Jennifer Racine of Clayton NC, and Brian (Sue) Wells of Milton; grandchildren Ben Roque, Megan (Thomas) Walker, Stephanie (Von) Bergen, Sarah Racine, John Racine, Shannon Wells and Jessica Wells, and great-grandchildren, Lukas and Jaxon Walker and Sunny Bergen. He is also survived by his two brothers Bob (Lynn) Wells of Essex and Gary (Bonnie) Wells of Boothbay ME, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Scott Racine.

 We want to express a special thank you to his cousins and friends, Ernie and Peggy Chamberlain, for their support of him and our family over the last several months.  We also send our appreciation to the staff of Elderwood at Burlington and Bayada Assistive Care. 

 In accordance with his wishes, all services will be private and held at a later date.

 His smile, good humor and entertaining text messages will be deeply missed by all those he loved and those who loved him.