John Russell Wells

John Russell (Rusty) Wells walked into the healing loving arms of Jesus Christ on Monday afternoon August 5th in a care facility in Giddings, Texas. Rusty was born to Weldon and Ruselle Wells on March 31, 1956 in San Angelo. There to welcome their new baby brother were his older brother Weldon Wells Jr., and his sister Ann Wells Bridges who was only 10 months older. Ann and Rusty remained close always and they both knew that they could count on each other. Ann was at his bedside during his last days. Rusty attended Austin Elementary, Lee Jr. High, and Central High School where he stood out both academically and athletically. He was very loved by his Class of 74 classmates and especially dear to those who walked all the way through their school years from Stephen F. Austin Elementary together. Even though Rusty played football for both the Lee Rebels and Central Bobcats he was diverse in that he also was a studied and excellent studio dancer. He performed as Prince Charming in High School in a Jeanne Deans School of Dance studio production. Rusty joined the US Air force in 1974 and served overseas for a time. He excelled in the communication branch of the Air Force. His profession for many years was a painter where he prided himself in outstanding work especially in new and different textures and finishes. He was a gourmet cook, veracious reader and an avid sports fan. Rusty's life was not free of struggles but he remained adventuresome, resilient, and optimistic. A true survivor, with perseverance he endeavored to meet life on life's terms head on. In his failures and successes, he maintained a great capacity for hope and a desire to help those trying to find their way. He remarked often that he had gotten to do many of the things that he had hoped to do. He accepted Jesus Christ as a young child and later in life renewed his commitment to Him as Lord and Savior in Odessa Texas. Rusty would return to his hometown to marry his childhood friend and classmate Candis Rodgers Hicks on May 28, 2004. He always considered San Angelo "Home". He is greatly missed and survived by his sister Ann and her husband Dr. Walter Bridges, their sons; Justin Gass, his wife Natalie and Jarrod Gass, Justin and Natalie's four children and Jarrod's son and daughter, an aunt; Mrs. Alice Pyle, an uncle Brad Henley and his wife Patsy. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of friends from all walks of life. There will be a private ceremony in Amarillo at a later date. Memorials may be made to Methodist Assistance through 1st Methodist church San Angelo at 37 E. Beauregard, The Salvation Army at 215 W. Gillis St. San Angelo, TX., 76903 or The Wesley Soup Kitchen at 301 W. 18th St or a favorite charity of your choice.