Francis Xavier Wells, decorated veteran

Francis Xavier Wells, 95, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at Brandywine Senior Living in Rehoboth Beach. He was born March 11, 1920, in Grand Rapids, Mich., son of the late Francis and Rebecca (Drieborg) Wells.

Mr. Wells proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he received a bronze star for the Tunisian Campaign, Naples-Foggia Campaign and Rome-Arno Campaign. He also received a Purple Heart, Defense Button, American Defense Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal.

In October1950, Mr. Wells married the love of his life, Angela, in Baltimore, Md. With his father, Frank, and his brother, Donald, Mr. Wells founded the Wells Liquors in Baltimore and Towson area. The store developed into a successful business throughout the years. It is still in business today.

Mr. Wells was a past president of Towson Lions Club in Towson, Md. He enjoyed many summer vacations at Deep Creek Lake, Md. While residing at Brandywine Senior Living Center, he became a champion of the Wii Bowling league.

Mr. Wells will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his parents and brother, Mr. Wells was preceded in death by his wife, Angela Wells. He is survived by two nieces: Carol Gerding of Rehoboth Beach and Nancy Zimmerman and her husband Irv of Roswell, Ga.; nephew Brooks Dickerson and his wife Janet of Indianapolis, Ind., and their daughters Leah and Kathy; two great-nephews: Jonathan Zimmerman and his wife Kelly, and his newborn great-great-nephew Jack Zimmerman of Denver, Colo., and Brandon Zimmerman and his wife Tricia of Charlotte, N.C.

A viewing will be held Monday, Nov. 23, from 2 to 3 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Burial will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m., at Parkwood Cemetery, 3310 Taylor Ave., Baltimore.

Please sign Mr. Wells' Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.