Glenn Earl "Pawpaw" Wells

          A Celebration of Life Service for Glenn Earl “Pawpaw” Wells, 76, of Diboll, will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Promise Land Baptist Church in Lufkin.

          Glenn Earl “Pawpaw” Wells was one of 9 boys born to George Henry Wells and Germine Van Oudekerke in New Willard, Texas. He was raised poor, rough, rowdy, and uneducated. He found his way to an education, a lifelong career, life’s riches, and most importantly a love for God that is something to be mimicked.

          Glenn met Mary Ruth Morris in March of 1968 and married her two weeks later. Together, they endured both good and hard times. They grew in their faith for God and each other. After 7 years, they were blessed with a son, then another son right after. Glenn and Stephen became his world. They lived a life covered in love and faith. Glenn made sure his family learned who his God is and made certain everyone he loved knew he did.

          Glenn made his living as a saw filer for Temple Inland Sawmill in Diboll for 45 years. He was dedicated to his job because it provided the things his family needed. With his dedication to the job, he taught his boys the importance of a good work ethic and appreciation for the job.

          Glenn was a deacon for 43 years. He was a faithful servant to the Lord. Glenn took his calling seriously with his trips to local nursing homes to visit with ones that couldn’t make a church service, and his help and friendship with the widows and widowers. He enjoyed church singing and even singing a song or two. Glenn said God and church first, family next, then everything else.

          Glenn soon went from “Daddy” to “Pawpaw”. His grandchildren remember him as a quiet, loving, loyal, caring, and supportive man.

          He was a man of few words, so when he did speak, they were careful to listen. Glenn made sure to be where his family needed him, no matter if he had to be at work at 3:00 a.m., he was at that late night football game. He left a permanent mark in our hearts forever.

          Glenn “Pawpaw” Wells loved to travel. He was known for getting up in the middle of the night to take a trip. Branson was a favorite, but he loved to go camping, canoeing on the Buffalo River, hunting, or simply just taking a drive.

          Glenn is survived by the love of his life of 57 years, Mary Ruth (Morris) Wells; sons, Glenn Preston Wells and wife Mandy, and Stephen Shane Wells and wife Kathy; grandchildren, Glenn Preston Wells, Jr. and wife Cassie, Shane Austin Wells and wife Miranda, Kaitlyn Josephine “Josie” McGruder and husband Myles, and Elizabeth Nicole Wells; great-grandchildren, Shelby Vada Wells, Gage Preston Wells, Zacharius Kilo McGruder, and Stevie Lynn Wells; and brother, David Wayne Wells and wife Terri.

          He was preceded in death by his parents; and seven brothers.

        Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.