Raymond E. Wells

Herrin- Raymond Eugene Wells, 85, of Herrin, went to be with the Lord at 5:45 AM, Friday, October 13, 2017 at Herrin Hospital. Raymond was born on July 4, 1932 in Pomona, IL to Leroy and Hester (Jackson) Wells. He married Loretta Bella Pippin on May 1, 1956 in Herrin. She survives of Herrin. He served his country proudly and bravely as a US Army soldier while stationed in Okinawa and Korea during the Korean Conflict. Once honorably discharged he returned home and began a career as a machinist at Norge from 1961 until 1978. He then served as the business representative for the Machinist Union until his retirement. He was a member of the Herrin American Legion Post. He was a Christian and an active member of Covenant Christian Fellowship in Carterville. He served as an usher and helped count the offering on Sunday. He was a constant volunteer at the church’s monthly men’s prayer breakfast. He was also an original member of a 1947 Sunday School Class created for early morning paperboys at Herrin First Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed travelling all over the United States. He liked driving to Branson, Texas and all over. He was a social and outgoing man who liked to go out and eat and enjoyed his St. Louis Cardinals. He was famous for his BBQ sauce which originated from a recipe passed down from his family. He will be dearly missed. Survivors include- Wife- Loretta Wells of Herrin Daughter- Mary Sullivan and husband Jake of Stonefort Grandchildren: Amber Koloroutis and husband Adam of Belton, TX Amy Hale of Marion Jenna Grissom and husband John of Creal Springs Great Grandchildren: Nolan and Brynlee Koloroutis Blake Watson Collin and McKynlee Hale Trevor Barton and John Cole Grissom Sister- Betty Hampton of Caseyville, IL Sisters in law- Jeanne Wells of Victorsville, CA Patsy Wells of Columbia, MO Melanie Wells of Herrin Many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, sons- Terry and Douglas Wells, brothers- Chuck, Bob, Bill and Arthur Wells and sisters- Lorena Wells and Helen Webb. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Ralph Brandon will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Military rites will be performed at the graveside by the Herrin and Carterville VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service, Tuesday, at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Covenant Christian Fellowship and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.