Bob Wells

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Robert "Bob" Wells, 77, of Columbus, passed away at home after a long illness on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. He was born on November 20, 1943 in Oswego, Kansas, the son of William and Martha Wells.

He graduated from Cherokee County Rural Schools in 1961. He continued his education at Kansas State College and graduated in 1965 with a degree, in Secondary Education; and went on to earn a Masters of Science and an Ed.S. degree. 

He started his career in education at Weir schools as a teacher. He later accepted a teaching job at the Columbus School District. He dedicated 32 years of his life to education, serving in many roles, including Central Jr. High science and Special Education Teacher, Principal of Greenlawn, Spencer, Central and CUHS, and Programs Director. He retired in 1997 as Principal at Columbus Unified High School.

Bob enjoyed playing drums and guitar in bands throughout college. He was an avid runner and participated in many 15k races including Hospital Hill in Kansas City and the Tulsa Run. After retirement, he moved to Tulsa to be closer to his grandchildren. 

He enjoyed traveling the country and lived in several different places including Tulsa, OK, Amarillo, TX, Rio Grande Valley area, Texas and Joplin, MO. He and his wife, Dorothy, survived the Joplin tornado of 2011 and then returned to Columbus.

Bob and Dixie Cooley were married in 1967. The couple later divorced. He then wed Dorothy Crain in 1996. She survives of the home. In addition, Bob is survived by a daughter, Deanne Wells Goben (Shane) of Tulsa, OK; 2 grandchildren, Blake Goben, Houston, TX and Bryce Goben, Tulsa, OK; and a sister, Norma Dochow, Columbus, KS. He was proceeded in death by his parents, 2 sisters; Dora Poage and Imogene King.

Bob and Dorothy were faithful members of the Sherwin Christian Church. No services are planned per his request.