Billy Gene Wells

Bill Wells, age 74, of Murphysboro, passed away at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the City Care of Cobden, in Cobden, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 13, 2008, at Pettett Funeral Home with Rev. John Nordstrom officiating and burial at Goodbread Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the donor's choice. Bill was born on August 20, 1934, in Weed, California, to Charles Marvin Wells and Wanda Juanita (Westray) Wells. Mr. Wells worked construction all of his life, and at one time owned the Twin Construction. He retired from Republic Development in Orange, CA, as the Quality Control Inspector and Customer Service Manager for all the new homes built by Republic. When he retired in 1996, he and Nancy moved back to Southern Illinois to be close to family. Bill loved horses and at one time he was the Captain of the "Rough Riders" riding group in Southern California. He also had competed in barrel racing. His horse "Peewee" was his good buddy. He was a member of the Calvary Chapel in Diamond Bar, CA, and attended Berean Christian Church until he got ill. Bill married Nancy Charlotte (Phelps) Closson on December 13, 1980, in Herrin, Illinois, and she survives of Murphysboro. Mr. Wells is also survived by two sons and daughter in laws Billy Gene and Christie Wells of Thermopolis, WY and Todd and Charlotte Wells of South Bend, IN; three step children Charles Paul Closson (Susan Kay) of Murphysboro, Susan Rae Closson of Zeigler, and Teressa Frances Heiple (Ron) of Murphysboro; twelve grandchildren Tom Wells (Shandra) of Laramie, WY, Lia Wells of Denver, CO, Jeffrey Wells, Aaron Michael Wells, and Brendan Wells of South Bend, IN, Jay Heiple (Jessica Dunn), Brett Closson (Lindsey), Aaron Rebecca Closson (Jarrod Hankins), and Whitney Closson, all of Murphysboro, Ashley Closson of Minneapolis, MN, Eric Heiple (Alec) of Carbondale, and Sean Closson of Cobden; four great grandchildren Akira, Kylar, and Eryx Wells of Laramie, WY, and Jayden Lynn Wells of South Bend, IN; and Taylor Hunsperger, who he loved dearly of Murphysboro; two surviving brothers Charles Edward Wells (Bobbie) of Lake of Egypt and his twin brother Bobby Dene Wells (Linda) of Bakersfield, CA, and several nieces and nephews. His extended family includes Hank and Sue Hoskison of Victorville, CA, and their family, also John and Harriett Strain of Perris, CA and their family. Also dear friends Rick and Karen Weisenstienn of DeSoto, and Wayne and Joanna Skobel of Murphysboro. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one step son Michael Dean Closson.

Billy Gene Wells

August 20, 1934 - November 8, 2008