Matt Wells

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Matthew T. Wells, 51, of Webb City, MO, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021. Matt was born on October 25, 1969 in Miami, OK, to Don and Kaye (Thomasson) Wells. 

He grew up in Quapaw, OK and was a proud member of the QHS Class of 1987. He was a lifelong member of Quapaw First Baptist Church and locally attended both Christ’s Church of Oronogo and, more recently, Carterville Christian Church. 

Matt’s work history included several years with Walmart, Aramark, and Nations Credit, before settling in with American Dairy Queen. Matt worked as business consultant for ADQ, recently celebrating 20 years with the company. He very much enjoyed his work, and working with both his DQ coworkers, many of whom became friends, and helping the DQ franchisees. He often received recognition for his efforts, most proudly earning the Top of the Field award in 2018. 

Matt married Sarah Johnston on June 12, 1992. They were soulmates and blessed with nearly three decades of happiness together. Together they had two beautiful children, Hannah, 17, and Luke, 12. 

Additional survivors include his father, Don Wells and his wife Karen of Webb City, MO, his sister Carmen Callahan and husband Bobby of Commerce, OK, his cousin and best friend, Brad Neal and his wife Susan of Carl Junction, MO, several beloved nieces and nephews, and his in-laws, Ron and Betty Johnston of Joplin, MO, Ron Johnston of Scottsdale, AZ, and Rick and Sherri Johnston of Webb City, MO. 

He was preceded in death by his cherished mother, Kaye Wells, and his dear mother-in-law, Janice Morton. 

A loving and devoted husband and father, Matt’s family was the most important thing to him. He loved to work on projects with his dad and to give his sister a hard time. All of his free time was spent with Sarah, Hannah, and Luke. Matt spent the nearly 29 years of their marriage making sure that Sarah knew how much he loved her, finding new ways to make her laugh and showing his children what a good marriage looked like. 

He loved nothing more than to watch Hannah play softball and Luke play football. He spent countless hours involved in area youth sports, driving all over to tournaments and games, and he enjoyed encouraging all of the kids. No one was prouder of his own kids’ accomplishments, whether it was on the field, in the classroom, or just in life, and no one was a bigger fan. If Matt loved you, he loved you fiercely. He was a positive influence on those around him, always quick with a joke or funny story. He was willing to do most anything for a laugh, especially if it might embarrass his kids. He will be greatly missed. 

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 20 at Carterville Christian Church. Services will follow at 11 am, with burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. To honor Matt’s involvement with his kids’ sports, we are asking that any youth athlete or coach wear his or her football, basketball, or softball jersey to the services on Saturday. 

Services are under the care of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.