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In memory of

Robert Francis Wells

Paso Robles, CA, USA

November 29, 1926 - September 15, 2019

Nov 29, 1926 - Sep 15, 2019

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Stars are shining more brightly now as the heavens welcome a brilliant and compassionate man, Robert Wells.
Robert Francis Wells died on September 15, 2019 at home in Paso Robles, CA at the age of 92 with his wife Sally and family at his side. He is survived by his wife Sally Ann Wells, his daughters Pamela Phelps and Melissa Dale and their families.
Robert was born on November 29, 1926. He grew up in Clinton, MO with his parents and older brother Jim. Robert excelled in high school academics and athletics. He then attended Purdue University. While at home visiting, he met and eventually married Sally Ann Schumacher. It all began with a glance across an ice cream parlor and Robert informing his friend, “If she turns around and smiles at me one more time, I’m going to marry that girl.” She did, he did, and it lasted 69 glorious years.

Robert Wells graduated from Purdue University in aeronautical engineering. After moving to California with his young bride, he enjoyed a forty-year career in the aviation and space industries. He worked as a design engineer, test engineer, and project manager on many advanced programs. These included the X-3, X-15, F86, F100, and B70 aircrafts as well as many scientific and military space vehicles and propulsion systems. He liked to say, “My claim to fame is that I put my friend and classmate, Neil Armstrong, on the moon.” He was manager of the Propulsion Systems Integration Department at TRW energy systems division in Redondo Beach, CA where the Lunar Module Descent Engine was developed and produced. This engine was used to land Apollo astronauts on the Moon and rescued the Apollo 13 crew after an explosion disabled the Service Module engine.

While a dedicated and brilliant aeronautical engineer, he was also a loving and supportive husband and father. Robert and Sally Wells had three wonderful daughters. His oldest daughter Cynthia, sadly predeceased Robert. Pamela married Gary Phelps and Melissa married Mark Dale. Robert welcomed both men into his home with open arms. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Denise and Valerie Phelps and Jake and Carly Dale. He was fortunate to live a long full life and was able to welcome two more men into the family, Valerie’s husband Matt Gillis and Denise’s husband Scott Hesterberg. During the last year of his life he lived within minutes of his great-grand-children Adelaide and Briella Gillis and enjoyed their love and passion for life. Robert loved engaging in rigorous conversations with all generations and always had his facts ready for a good debate. Family brought Robert great joy throughout his life. After retirement, Robert kept busy and continued his learning. He was often seen listening to books on tape, mostly science related. He took classes and taught at the Braille Institute for the Blind. Robert even participated in many athletics for the blind like golf tournaments and skiing competitions. His zest for life continued for all 92 years.

As family and friends continue to reel from our loss, we all know Robert is enjoying highly intelligent discussions with his brother James Wells and anyone willing to engage. Robert Wells did not make headlines, he did not alter the universe (maybe just a little), instead he changed the lives of those who had the good fortune to know him. He helped us all to be the best we could be, find joy every day, and to search for knowledge in all we do.

Wishing you peace, Robert Francis Wells

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