Obituary for Raymond Eugene “Gene” Wells

Raymond Eugene “Gene” Wells passed away on July 22, 2026 after a long battle with cancer.  Gene was born on January 23, 1949 in Kenton to Harry and Margaret “Eileen” (Newman) Wells.  On July 19, 1969, he married Rebecca Cannon, and she survives in Kenton. They recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Gene is survived by his daughters, Shannon (Brian) Balser of Dublin and Amanda (Drew) Crum of Kenton.  Gene was the proud “Papa” of Londyn Crum, Tyler Balser, Walter Balser, and Sydney Crum. 

Gene is also survived by two sisters, Carolyn Delight Vermaaten of Kenton and Nancy (Raymond) Brewer of Holland, Michigan, two sister-in-laws, Marianna Wells of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and Judy Wells of Kenton, as well as several nieces and nephews.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Frank and Joan Cannon, two brothers, Elmer Wells and Daniel Wells, brother-in-law, Rowland Vermaaten, and sister-in-law, Diane Cannon. 

Gene graduated from Kenton Senior High School in 1967.  He went to work at Phillips & Davies, and then started working at Kenton Structural and Ornamental Iron Works in 1970.  He worked for them until they closed in 2004.  In 2010, Gene retired from McCullough Industries. 

Gene’s life was enriched not only by his family, but also his hobbies.  He was a long-time member of the Fort McArthur Long Rifles Association.  He participated in frontiersman gatherings, which involved events such as shooting muzzleloaders, throwing tomahawks, dressing in buckskin, sleeping in a lean-to, and cooking over a campfire.  One of the family’s favorite meals was when Gene made breakfast “trash” over the fire.  Gene was an avid fisherman and hunter, using bow and arrow, muzzleloaders, and shot guns through the years.  In more recent years, Gene took up sporting clays, shooting every weekend with a special group of friends.  He also took up golf as a retirement hobby, spending many days at Memorial Park Golf Club with friends.  

Gene was a supporter of Kenton Athletics his whole life.  He loved the Buckeyes and the Reds, and tolerated the Browns.  He loved to support his grandkids in their activities, and spend time with the family at the pond on the farm.  His ornery grin, his great comebacks, and his sense of humor will be greatly missed. 

There will be a celebration of life on August 1, 2026 at Rush Creek Sportsmen’s Club (17950 County Road 85, Belle Center, OH 4330) from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.  Please wear casual clothing supporting your favorite team (unless that team in Xichigan).  

In lieu of flowers, please give donations in memory of Gene to the Kenton Conservation Class at the Kenton Senior High School, 751 Wildcat Way, Kenton, OH 43326.  

The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.