Ad Astra - Steve Wells '56

Paul "Steve" Wells (1934 - 2015)

Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Darcy Gearhart Wells. Other survivors include Steve's son Steven, his wife Gina and their three sons, Riley, Grady and Avery. Also surviving Steve is daughter Stacy Chapin, her husband Jim and their three children, Ethan, Maizie and Hunter. Additional survivors include Steve's brother Ned Wells, many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

He is preceded in death by his father, Paul E Wells, his mother Anne Massar Wells and his brother, Robert Wells.

Steve graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1952. In 1956, he graduated from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and has been a Husky fan ever since! Following college, he spent 2.5 years in Germany serving in the Army Medical Service Corps. Upon his return, he came back to Mount Vernon where he ran the family drug store, Wells Drug.

In 1964, he married Darcy Gearhart. In 1970, he designed and patented a shipping concept for hauling product out of shallow ports. This was the beginning of his many travels to Asia and Europe. In 1978, Steve and his wife, Darcy started Tyee Trading Company and spent many years traveling to Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. Tyee Trading eventually became Mobile Merchandisers Corporation which designs and manufactures display racks. Son Steven is now the president.

In 2010, Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease which was eventually re-diagnosed as Lewy Body Disease. Steve's wife, Darcy, cared for him until just a few short weeks ago when he was put into the wonderful care of Ashley Gardens in Mount Vernon.
Steve was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He loved watching his grandchildren and their many academic and athletic endeavors. He loved to travel. He also considered all of his employees at Mobile Merchandisers family. They were very important to him.

Steve's service will be Tuesday, April 14 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 415 S. 18th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 11:00 am with a reception to follow at the church.

Please send memorials to: 'Team Steve' for Burlington Alzheimer's Walk on September 19, 2015 (Go to ALZ.org), Hospice of the Northwest (227 Freeway Dr, Mount Vernon, WA 98273), St. Paul's Episcopal Church (415 S 18th St. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 or a charity of your choice .

Published in Skagit Valley Herald Publishing Company on Apr. 12, 2015