George Junior Wells

On Saturday, March 18, 2023, George Junior Wells, loving husband and father of three, passed away at age 89 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

George was born Feb. 4, 1934, in Bigfork, Mont., to George and Eliza Wells. He was the youngest of nine children. He was raised in Bigfork, where he explored the Flathead Valley that he loved. In his youth, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking and camping. He had many jobs as a young man such as ranch hand, working for the Forest Service and sawmill work. He met his lifelong love, Doris J. Wells (Purcell) in high school. They married March 17, 1953, and were blessed to be together for 68 years.

Soon after they married, George enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for four years. He was a proud Korean War veteran. After his service, he attended barber school in Spokane, Wash. He moved his family to Kalispell and then to Libby, Mont. Later, they moved to Spokane. In Spokane, the couple owned several salons throughout the years. He retired from barbering in 2002.

They raised their three children in Spokane as well, daughter Wanda, son Gary and daughter Rita. George and Doris enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. Camping was always the favorite activity for the families. George and Doris always dreamed of building a home, and they achieved that dream, building a beautiful home in Post Falls, Idaho, in 1994.

George and Doris had a great love for travel. They took several trips to Alaska. They traveled to Hawaii, New York, Texas and Washington, D.C. The couple also went on several cruises together.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, his parents and his eight siblings. He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, and three sisters-in-law.

He had a wonderful life.

Celebration of life will be Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 1 p.m. at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St. Coeur d'Alene with a reception to follow at the English Funeral Chapel reception area.

A special thank you to the staff of Silver Ridge Care for taking such good care of him in his last days.