INFORMATION FROM STARKS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME (DOWAGIAC, MI) WEBSITE:
Charles “Chuck” E. Wells, a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, at the age of 73 at his home.
He was born on December 17, 1952, in Gary, IN, the son of the late Charles and Bernice (Moll) Wells. Chuck lived with energy and intention. He connected easily with people and had a talent for good conversation. He carried a steady sense of humor and a strong faith shaped through his involvement in the Lutheran church.
He is survived by his significant other, Jane Pallas; his children Kristi (Tim) Reed and Charlie Wells; and his grandchildren, including his favorite granddaughter Sydney Reed, Jake Ickes, Riggins Pallas, and Jaxon Pallas. He also leaves behind Jane’s children, Jennifer (Dave) Ickes and Josh (Wendy) Pallas, whom he embraced as part of his family. He was formerly married to Nila Wells, with whom he shared the joy of raising their children.
Chuck is also survived by his oldest brother Jim (Ethel) Wells; their son Geoff Wells; Lori (Ron) Moore and their children Matt (Angie) Moore, Mark (Charity) Moore, and Dawn (James) Luedtke; and Cindy Homan and her daughters Carrie (Lyndon) Block and Jen Homan. He was preceded in death by his niece, Susan Lackey, daughter of Jim (Ethel) Wells; her husband, Bill, survives her.
Family time mattered most to Chuck. He was proud of his grandchildren and showed up for them in every way he could. He cheered for Sydney through her run to the 2024 soccer state finals and celebrated with her again when she won the state championship in 2025. He supported Jake in baseball and rarely missed a chance to see him play. He was equally devoted to Jaxon and Riggins, always encouraging them and happy to be part of whatever they were doing.
Chuck enjoyed hosting gatherings and cooking for others. His biscuits and gravy were a regular favorite at family breakfasts, and his perfectly grilled whole filet anchored many holiday meals. He valued simple moments—time on the back porch with “tunes”, conversation, and the people he cared about.
Golf was one of his longtime passions, and he looked forward to annual trips to northern Michigan with close friends. In 2021, he played Pebble Beach Golf Links with his son Charlie, a memory they both treasured. He also found fulfillment in woodworking, often crafting wooden American flags that he gave to friends and family. This grew from his more than 40 year career managing lumber yards, a profession he knew well and took pride in.
Chuck’s legacy of treating every person he met like his friend, sense of humor, and steadfast faith endures in the hearts of all who knew him.
Friends may visit with Chuck’s family from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac.
A service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main St, St Joseph, MI. Rev. Michael J. Roth will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be directed to First Tee – Benton Harbor (https://firstteebentonharbor.org/) or Hillsdale College (https://www.hillsdale.edu/support/ways-to-give/).
This information and the picture above were obtained from: https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/obituaries/charles-wells. The picture above was obtained from the 1971 HHS Memories yearbook, made available by the Lake County Public Library, at: https://archive.org/details/HOHS1971Images/.
