Robert “Bob” Dale Wells, age 79, passed away on November 3, 2024, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. A former resident of Fayette, Missouri, Bob was born on February 15, 1945, one of four children of the late William Adrian Wells and Mary Lulu (Crews) Wells.

Bob graduated from Fayette High School with the class of 1963. Throughout his career, he was a part-time cattle farmer but primarily worked in the grocery industry. He dedicated many years to Nowell’s Supermarket on Worley Street in Columbia, Mo., where he served as Grocery Manager. On December 17, 1988, Bob married Carmen in New Franklin, Mo. Carmen preceded Bob in death on May 25, 2019.

Outside of work, he enjoyed time spent outdoors, hunting, fishing, bird watching, grilling, and tending to his farm and cattle. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and watching football and baseball. Bob loved playing cards, particularly pitch, and poker, and enjoyed weekly poker games with friends at the Senior Center and Larry’s Triangle Station. In his early adult years, he even found joy coaching Little League Baseball.

Later in life, Bob discovered new hobbies, including painting and loom knitting. He knitted over 80 baby hats for a ministry in Macon, Mo. Following his 79th birthday, Bob began oil painting, unveiling a hidden talent. This summer, he proudly won second place in the Amateur Adult category at the Fayette Festival of Arts and successfully sold several paintings at both the Fayette Festival of Arts and Santa Fe Trail Days in New Franklin.

Bob is survived by his four children, Bill (Shawn) Wells of Florissant, Mo., Shannon (Jenny) Wells of Lake St. Louis, Mo., Missy Morrison of Fayette, Mo., and Sara Morrison of New Franklin, Mo. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Sam, Ava, and Ian, as well as two siblings, David Wells of Salisbury, Mo., and Mary Kay Holton of Columbia, Mo. In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by a son, James Robert Wells, son-in-law, Matt Cleek, and a brother, Larry Wells.

A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, Mo. The funeral service will follow the visitation starting at 1 p.m., with Rev. Gary Wrisberg officiating. Interment will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Franklin, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery or Fayette Senior Center c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.