John Derrial Wells, 70, of Ellsinore, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

John was born October 21, 1950 to Melvin and Iva (Friend) Wells in Gideon, Mo.  He and Naomi Ritchey were married October 14, 1983. She survives.

John was a boiler maker in his early years and later became a car salesman.  He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, hunting, boating and cars. He had a sincere love for music.  John also loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. 

In addition to his loving wife, John is survived by four daughters, Rebecca (David) Drake of Poplar Bluff, Jessica (Caleb) Elkins of Poplar Bluff, Jennifer (Matt) Baer of Festus, and Gina (Fred) Fisher of Springfield, Mo; a stepson, Kenneth (Serena) Gipson of Doniphan; three sisters, Jean Manis of Park Hills, Mo, Linda Hile of Forsyth, Mo and Janeanne (Gordon) Cochran of Poplar Bluff; ten grandchildren, Abbi Fisher, Emmili Kimball, Kati Campbell, Ethan, Caleb and Madelin Gipson, Breanna and Johnnah Drake, Troy Elkins and Ellie Baer; and a great-grandchild, Aiden Kimball.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cynthia Wells; a sister, Wilma Asberry; and five brothers, Oddis, Orville, Wayne, Leo, and Bill Wells.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be given to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, Tn 38101-9908.