The heavenly bar for caring, levity, and brotherhood was just raised a notch with the ascension on December 23 of Thomas Duvall Wells. As he reunites with the family and friends who went before him, the doors above swing wide to accommodate the outsized personality and huge heart of this unique and special man.

Tom burst onto the scene on October 2 ^nd , 1953, the third child born to K.G. and Margueritte Wells.  As he made his way through Good Acres Kindergarten, Rountree Elementary, Jarrett Junior High, Parkview High School, and Southwest Missouri State College, Tom cultivated an astonishing number of friendship circles with people from all walks of life. We often hear the phrase "never met a stranger", but simply meeting someone was seldom the end of things for Tom. He was sincerely happy to know everyone he met, to learn things about them, to form new friendships and maintain them. One's pedigree or station in life were of no consequence to Tom — if you were willing to be his friend, he was willing to actively be yours.

Tom's drive to establish and cultivate personal relationships was more than just social. He believed in the basic goodness of people, and as a young man at Southwest Missouri State, he sought and landed a role as counselor to troubled youth at the Greene County Juvenile Detention Facility. Many were those he helped with his counsel, and after leaving his post there, went on to establish a program for troubled youth at Parkview High School.

In 1978, Tom was united in marriage to Brenda Craig, and to this union was born daughter Allison Duvall Wells. While Tom and Brenda eventually went their separate ways, Allison remained the love of his life and his confidante. In 2011, Allison gave birth to Tom's grandson and little buddy, Benson.

Tom's business career began in 1978 with Springfield Paper Company, the family-owned business established by his great-grandfather in 1906. For the past 20 years, he served as the company's president, overseeing its transformation from the green eyeshade days of heavy ledger books and thick product catalogs, to the expansive, streamlined, and digitally savvy commercial products company it is today. He was proud of this transformation, the people at SPC who made it happen, and the local jobs that were preserved as a result.

Could Tom have fun? Ha! Just when you might be thinking that life is too serious a business, along comes Tom, blanketing the area with levity, shenanigans, and goodwill, very likely making more new friends in the process. He loved golf and played regularly, perhaps breaking more clubs than pars. If there was a dog in the area, you were in danger of suddenly being ignored in favor of a new canine friend… and then there was his swimming pool, his cherished oasis of blue calm and entertainment venue for his many friends. The pool was also his grandson's favorite place, providing hours of fun and bonding between Tom and Benson.

Tom donated his time and resources to many worthy causes in the Ozarks, including Help Give Hope, GYNCA, Greene County Humane Society, the K.G. Wells Jr. Academy for Kids, and others. He established the annual K.G. Wells Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting golf instruction for local youth.

Tom's passing is preceded by those of his brother, K.G. Wells Jr., father, K.G. Wells Sr., and mother, Margueritte Wells. He is survived by sister Marty Wells, daughter Allison Duvall Wells, and grandson and buddy Benson. He also leaves behind his long-time dear friend, Melia Balden.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Cox Medical Center in Springfield for their care and attention during Tom's final days.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 28 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Services for Tom will be officiated by the Reverend Bill Wear Jr. beginning at 10:30am on Saturday, December 29 at First & Calvary Presbyterian Church. Private burial to follow at Maple Park Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to do so in favor of the Greene County Humane Society, Cents of Pride, or your cause of choice.