It is with great love and sadness that we share the passing of Fred Elva Wells, age 100, of Zephyrhills, Florida, who passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on May 14, 2026.

Born November 5, 1925, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Curtis E. Wells and Mary Emma Wells (Rauch), Fred grew up in Buck Creek, Indiana, and lived a remarkable life filled with courage, laughter, adventure, faith, and love for family.

Fred proudly served his country during World War II as a radio operator aboard the USS New York during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Later in life, he was honored to visit The National WWII Museum on an Honor Flight and attend the commissioning of the new USS New York.

Following the war, Fred married Laura Katherine Arnold in 1948. Together they raised a loving family before divorcing in 1978. He later shared more than 20 wonderful years with Donna Smith until her passing in 2023, and in recent years enjoyed the companionship and friendship of Sally Watson.

Fred owned and operated Fred Wells Tile & Linoleum before moving his family to Zephyrhills in 1960. He later enjoyed a successful real estate career with United Farm Agency and served as president of the Greater Chamber of Commerce of Zephyrhills in the early 1960s. He was also a Mason and a member of AMVETS, The American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Fred loved fishing, fish fries, dancing, gospel music, oldies, camping, traveling, pancake suppers, yard sales, and making friends everywhere he went. He embraced life fully and never stopped learning, always curious about new ideas, technology, health, and the changing world around him.

Known for his humor, generosity, adventurous spirit, and unforgettable sayings, Fred taught his family to work hard, laugh often, live courageously, and appreciate life’s simple joys.

The family would also like to express their deep gratitude and love for his longtime caregiver, Marissa Stephens, whose compassion, devotion, friendship, and extraordinary care meant so much to Fred and to the entire family. Marissa brought comfort, laughter, companionship, and dignity to his later years and became a treasured part of the Wells family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Mary Louise Buechert, Eldo Curtis Wells, William Robert Wells, and Mildred Emma Huffer; and longtime companion Donna Smith.

He is survived by his children Linda Sue Hauff and husband LeRoy, Lois Ann Alston and husband Jeff, and Joseph Eugene Wells and wife Gina; grandchildren Kathy Sue Hobby and husband Rick, Nicholus Adam Wells and wife Suzanne, Aubrey Maureen Pazos, Leland Wells Alston and wife Mary Katherine, and Ryan Wells Alston and wife Andrea; great-grandchildren Justin and wife Savannah, McKenzie, Mackenzie, John and wife Alyssa, Keely, Marley, Ella, Phen, Frankie, Nico, Macy, and Exa; great-great-grandchildren Brantley and Emery; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fred Wells lived life boldly, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, courage, kindness, and unforgettable memories.

In keeping with his wishes, a private family service will be held, followed by a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Fred Wells to The Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills.