Patrick Neil Wells
Oct 11th, 1972 - Mar 16th, 2020- Birth Date: Oct 11, 1972
- Death Date: Mar 16, 2020
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Biography: Patrick Neil Wells died unexpectedly on March 16, 2020. He was born in Killeen, Texas, on October 11, 1972. All his life he loved learning, especially in his chosen field of psychology. He took stepdad Steno’s volume of Carl Jung’s works to college at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The next year Patrick phoned home to report escaping a nighttime fire with his roommates-but reentering the house to retrieve the book! He conducted interviews for the Colorado Adoption Project (CAP) as an undergraduate assistant; earned his master’s degree at the University of Central Arkansas; completed Ph.D. coursework at the University of Tulsa; and in Little Rock pursued his profession as a licensed psychological examiner independent (LPE-I). He contemplated William Blake’s poetry; listened to Jason Isbell, NPR, samharris.org; and relished discussing the topics each presented.
Patrick loved deeply and was much beloved. Before age three he adored year-older cousin Seth Schulte, substituting imaginary friend Sherlte when Seth was not available. At four-and-a-half years, Patrick joyfully welcomed the arrival of baby brother Adam and could finally quit pestering his parents to explain why there were “no kids in this house.” For the next months and years, Patrick created antics and faces to keep Adam laughing, never wanting adult interference. Seth and Adam remained Patrick’s lifetime best friends. Vacations for family and friends took place at Gulf Shores, Alabama, where Patrick became the youngest Wells to master the skills of fishing and cooking his catch for dinner.
Stories abound of Patrick’s intelligence, accomplishments, good counsel, sense of justice, and acts of kindness and fun. March 2020 presents unsettled times of social distancing, which Patrick himself practiced the last Friday evening he visited his mom and stepdad. (And yes, he expressed his political views during that visit!) His family regrets that Covid-19 necessitated holding a small private service and even now prevents a gathering where we could grieve and laugh together. We give heartfelt thanks to his Central High classmates, colleagues, relatives, friends, and all who are sharing their love. Perhaps in the months to come you will individually visit the beautiful outdoor columbarium where his ashes have been placed, and you will find comfort and peace.
Patrick is survived by his mother and stepfather, Ann and Austin Grimes; father and stepmother, Craig and Shawneen Wells of Costa Rica; brother Adam Wells and wife Jana, and her children Meredith “Conner” and Paul Malone; stepsister Meredith McLeod; uncles Johnny Bilheimer of Maryland and Phillip Wells (Becky); aunt Helen Bond; first cousins Katina Napper (Daniel), Joel Bilheimer (Jen Siciliano), Bridget Rogers (Marc), Seth Schulte (Mia Quagliarello), Sterling Bond (Sarah Gates), Kevin Wells (Jennifer), and Robert Wells (Hillary); and Patrick’s namesake, Strider Patrick Schulte. Patrick was predeceased by his grandparents Elizabeth and Roy Bilheimer and Stella and Clayton J. Wells, stepsister Mardi DeBerry, and Linda Bilheimer, Johnny’s wife.
The Rev. Kate Alexander, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, was assisted by Rev. Stephanie Fox of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at the service of committal in St. Margaret’s columbarium on March 19, 2020. Contributions can be made to Christ Episcopal Church, St. Margaret’s columbariam (onrealm.org), NPR or KUAR radio, cals.foundation@cals.org (to feed kids hungry due to area school closings), or any charity close to your heart.
I am so very sad for you and your family and all of Patrick's loved ones. He and Adam were two of the most adorable and sweet little boys I've ever seen when I first met them, and I remember them so fondly. When this terrible virus is over, I want to come visit you and reminisce. It's been way too long. Please know that I am thinking about you as you go through this heart-breaking time.
Jim Guy and Betty
You have our deepest condolences.
-The Harrison Family (Fort Smith)
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and no words can be enough at this time! I know because I've lost 6 of my best friends in the world in last 7 years!
Patrick was an amazing person who only saw the good in people, he was a very good friend of mine although I hadn't seen him in years I did speak with him in the last few years a couple of times and he was still just without a doubt one of the nicest people I've ever known! So with profound sadness in my heart I will simply say that we lost another one of the greatest guys I've ever known and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, my friend Sarah, and again one of my best friends Seth Schulte!
Charles B Whiteside IV