Dr. Kenneth H. Wells

Dr. Kenneth H. Wells was born in Laurel County, KY on January 11, 1929, and passed away at home in Burnside, KY on June 27, 2018. He was the youngest child of Felix Wells and Ali Sparkman Wells. He was predeceased by four brothers, five sisters and his wife of 57 years, Eula Mullins Wells. He is survived by: his two daughters, Cynthia Wells (C.J.) De Santis and Rosemary (Bill) Mathieu; eight grandchildren, Julia De Santis (Matt) Maiorana, Louis De Santis, Kenneth James De Santis, Nicholas De Santis, Christian De Santis, Sophia De Santis, Sydney Mathieu (Nate) Newcomb and Rachel Mathieu; and one great granddaughter, Isla Seraphina Maiorana (born June 16, 2018).Dr. Wells graduated from London High School in London, KY, Sue Bennett College in London, KY (where he met his future wife), Union College in Barbourville, KY and (along with his brother and best friend, Denver) Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He practiced optometry in Somerset, KY for approximately 40 years.He grew up on a farm near Fariston, KY and told stories of many happy days that included lots of work and play. He and his brother shared a pet hog, Salt Barrel, who proved a good friend and kindly provided many rides and much entertainment. Later, there were all day basketball games with friends interrupted by a break for lunch (maybe) and quick trips to the quarry to cool off in the deep pool there. He credited his older sisters for keeping the players supplied with basketballs. His exceptional capacity for enjoying both work and play was lifelong and legendary. Dr. Wells volunteered for the army at age 17, but World War II thankfully ended prior to any overseas deployment.He was an active member of his professional community (the Kentucky Optometric Association where he served as President and for whom he hosted many summer picnics at his Burnside home), his church community (the First Baptist Church of Burnside where he served for decades as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member), his political community (the Lincoln Club and the Republican Party through which he ardently supported his chosen candidates) and his local community (the Lion’s Club and the Burnside City Council where he worked on many projects, in particular those related to vision and advocacy for the installation of the Burnside sewer and the clean-up of Lake Cumberland).On a daily basis, Dr. Wells expressed deep gratitude and love for his country and his home and life on Lake Cumberland. He was a passionate fisherman and never tired of pulling children on water skis, baiting hooks, cleaning fish, eating fish (for which he had a nearly insatiable appetite), examining tackle and repairing motors. He and his tractor were almost one, and he worked avidly in his yard until two weeks ago. His children deeply appreciate his church family and many kind friends, neighbors and relatives who supported, encouraged and enabled him to live independently in his final years.Visitation will be on Thursday, July 5th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Pulaski Funeral Home. A funeral service and celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 6th at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of the Pulaski Funeral Home.Entombment will follow in the Cumberland Memorial Gardens on or about 12:30 pm Friday, July 6, 2018. Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.