Wells B. Stockwell, 84, of Hydetown, passed away Tuesday afternoon March 11, 2014, at the Titusville Area Hospital.
Wells was born on May 19, 1929, in Wesleyville, PA, a son of the late William Claude and Carina Clark Stockwell. He was raised as the foster son by his uncle and aunt the late George and Daisy Stockwell Shorts of Titusville. He married Faye Stearns on Nov. 3, 1973 at the First Presbyterian Church in Titusville.
He graduated from Colestock High School in 1947, where he played trumpet in the band. He was also a member of the choir and dance band.
Following high school graduation, he enrolled at Clarion State Teachers College where he graduated in 1952, with his teaching degree. He first taught 6th grade at Emlenton, PA. He also taught 6th grade in Washington, PA for two years. He returned to the Titusville area and taught for one year in a one room school at East Titusville. He taught 6th grade at Union Street School from 1955 to 1957. During these years he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh and earned his master’s degree. He became principal at Main Street School from 1957 to 1960. He also acquired the principal’s position at Hydetown until 1968, at which time he became Elementary supervisor. In 1970, he was principal of Hydetown and Cherrytree schools, as well as Elementary supervisor. He retired in 1986, from the Titusville school district.
Following retirement, Wells sold cars for Northwest Motors in Titusville for one year. He taught two years at Titusville High School for the GED program for adults. He taught study skills at the Harry Kerr Skill Center. He also taught remedial math at the Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High levels. Wells worked at Cross Creek Resort as the beverage manager from 1999 until 2000, and was a ranger at the golf course for four years. His last employment following retirement was with H & R Block. He fully retired in 2007.
In 1962 Wells was one of the beginning founders of the Wilderness Quest program for 6th grade students at Tionesta Pioneer Ranch. He was involved with the Summer Theatre and was the lead in “Kiss Me Kate”. He sang in the barbershop quartet “The Highway Men” with Vic Kinnunen, Bill Stumpf, and Barney Lewis, and was a member of the Connawango Clippers.
Wells enjoyed playing the trumpet, banjo, harmonica, and base horn, as well as singing and harmonizing. During college he was a member of the band and choir; and played on the varsity tennis team. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting deer with his sons throughout the years. Wells was known for his fun loving personality and wit. He loved listening to and telling stories and could keep all those around him on their toes and laughing with his humor.
He was a former member of the Titusville First Presbyterian Church. Following his marriage he attended the Hydetown Baptist Church.
Wells is survived by his wife Faye of Hydetown; six children, Cristine Fellows and husband Mark of Youngstown, OH, Vicki Pugliese and husband Jerry of El Dorado Hills, CA, Suzette Nelson and husband Jeff of Grants Pass, Oregon, William Stockwell and wife Laura of Orlando, FL, Brian Stockwell and wife Nancy of Akron, OH, and Julie DeRose and husband Keith of Titusville; 17 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his foster parents; a son, Joel Stockwell; a brother, Gilbert Stockwell; three sisters, Carolyn Carner, Viola Burr, and Josephine Seimer; a foster brother, Bruce Shorts; and two foster sisters, M. Jeanne Anderson and Ellen O’Neill.
Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville, PA on Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
The funeral service will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Hydetown Baptist Church 12749 Main St. Hydetown, PA with Rev. Larry Hellein officiating.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Titusville High School Alumni Association 302 E. Walnut St. Titusville, PA 16354; to the Renal Care of Oil City 6945 US Route 322 #510 Cranberry, PA 16319; or to the charity of one’s choice.