Howard Dale Wells, 78-year-old Eucha resident, passed away at his home early Monday morning, October 6, 2025, with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 28, 1946, in Hutchinson, Kansas to Harlow T. Wells and Lora (Myers) Wells. Howard graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1965, then attended Junior College afterwards. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1967-68. Howard worked for Boeing Aircraft, Yoder Meats as a meat cutter, sold utility trailers, worked for Killion Electric where he was a warehouse foreman, and other jobs throughout his life. Howard grew up singing solos and duets in church and on the local radio station. He was a passionate hunter and a very good shot, loved hunting upland birds, turkeys and just being outdoors. Howard enjoyed tinkering with old cars, working in his yard and being with his dogs. He was a very good baseball/softball player, played some semi-professional baseball and played church softball until he was 67 years old.
Preceding him in death includes his parents, Harlow and Lora Wells, and a brother, Harlan T. Wells.
The family includes his wife, Saundra J. (Standrich) Wells; his daughters, Leslie J. Gilley and husband Jerry, Wendi M. Goble and husband Jon; stepdaughter Saundra Tilson; stepsons, David Tilson and wife Denise, Mike Tilson and wife Catherine; grandchildren, Brett Schuller, Blake Painter, Kyle Gilley, Josh Gilley; 12 bonus grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and friends.
The celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Dogwood Chapel, 37394 S 543 Rd, Eucha, OK 74342; Lennie Martin will be officiating. Interment will be held on October 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Anthony, Kansas. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally family owned and operated funeral home.”