Paul Wells

In Loving Memory of Paul Richard Wells
May 26, 1943 – May 21, 2026
Paul Richard Wells passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at 10:10 AM, following a brave battle with heart disease. He was 83 years old. In a poignant twist of fate, the very heart that made him such a good man was what failed him in the end.
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Paul lived life entirely on his own terms, meeting every twist and turn with a philosophical mind, an iron will, and a deeply compassionate spirit. Over the course of his vibrant life, he wore many hats—soldier, craftsman, merchant, poet, and storyteller—leaving an indelible mark on the world and the people who loved him.
A Life of Service, Skill, and Adaptation
In his youth, Paul served his country with bravery as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Upon returning to civilian life, he brought that same fearlessness to the skies of Colorado as a journeyman ironworker. As a "connector," Paul routinely walked narrow, high-altitude I-beams, guiding and joining massive steel girders to shape the modern Denver skyline. His hands helped build some of downtown Denver's tallest structures, as well as the iconic Denver International Airport (DIA).
When the time came that he could no longer walk the iron, Paul reinvented himself with characteristic grit. He transitioned into the world of sales, where his natural charisma shone, and for a short time, he ran his own business renting videos, embracing the entrepreneurial spirit.
Beyond his professional life, Paul possessed the soul of an artist. He was a gifted poet and an engaging storyteller who could captivate a room with his words. In his younger years, he tore up the dance floor to his favorite 1950s rock-and-roll tunes. He had a nostalgic heart, carrying fond, lifelong memories of the friends and loved ones from his youth, never forgetting those who shared his early journeys.
His Journey and Legacy
Later in life, Paul traded the mountains of Colorado for the desert, moving to the Las Vegas, Nevada area. His final chapters brought him to Cedar City, Utah, where he spent his remaining days living with and cared for by his daughter.
Paul deeply loved his family, his children, and the women who shared his life's journey.
He is survived by:
His children: Paul Allen Wells, John Wells, and Jennifer Wells (of Cedar City, UT)
His stepdaughter: Jessica
His second wife and mother to John
He was preceded in death by:
His parents
His sister: Janet
His beloved final wife: Gerry, whom he missed fiercely and spoke of often after her passing
Numerous cousins and extended family members
Paul was a good man with a big heart. His stories, his strength, and his fiercely independent spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services and Interment
To honor Paul’s military service and remarkable life, a memorial service will be held on July 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
Paul will be interred at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Gerry, bringing their story full circle as they are reunited in peace.