GERMAN CYRUS WELLS 1890-1955
Funeral Services Sunday For G.C. (Gus) Wells, Merchant and Farmer
German Cyrus (Gus) Wells, 54, prominent Paintsville merchant and a member of one of the country's oldest and most outstanding families, died suddently at his home on Second Street on August 12. His death was caused by a heart attack.
He was owner of the Wells Shoe Store on the Corner of Main and Court Streets which he had operated successfully for approximately 30 years. Recently he had become interested in farming and had spent much of his time at his farm on the river near Thelma. A leader in all conservation programs, he devoted much of his time to local farmers in establishing practices for conserving our natural resources. At the time of his death he was serving as State Soil Conservation Director.
Mr. Wells, a son of William Allen and Mary Hicks Wells, was born at Williamsport December 5, 1890. He was married to Cora Blair of this city on August 1, 1916.
In his early childhood he became a member of the Methodist Church and at the time of his death was a member of the May Memorial Methodist Church. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge No. 381 of Paintsville and was president of the Johnson County Soil Conservation Committee. He was widely known throughout the county and state for his activities in civic, religious, and political affairs, and was co-chairman of the recent Combs- for-Governer campaign in the county.
An outstanding citizen of the community, he was also a devoted and loving husband and father.
Surviving are his wife and three children, Mrs. Mary Katherine Schmitt, Frank Allen Wells, and Elbridge Davis Wells, all of this city, and five grandchildren, Michael, Nancy Katherine, and Ruth Schmitt, and Allen and Tommy Wells. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Malissa Perry, Louisa and Mrs. George Walters of Shoals, W. Va., and two brothers, R. G. Wells of Pikesville, and John L. Wells of this city.
An infant son, German Cyrus Well, Jr., preceeded him in death.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 Sunday by the Reverend Charles Perry assisted by Reverand John E. Weir and the Reverend Paul Bell.
Pallbearers were six members of the Paintsville Masonic Lodge, Lacy Puckett, Clyde Damron, Mack Damron, Millard Vance, Roy Van Hoose, and, Charles Hughes.
Final rites were conducted by the Masonic Lodge at the graveside.
Burial was made in the old Wells Cemetry at Boons Camp under the direction of the Paintsville Funeral Home.
Paintsville Herald Wednesday 8-17-1955
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